Have you ever tried this experiment at home? If not, I suggest you try it! Take a rubber band run it under water and stick it in the freezer overnight. In the morning, take it out and immediately stretch it. What happens? In most instances it snaps! Now, take a second rubber band, run it under water and place it in the freezer overnight. In the morning, take the rubber band out and let it chill on the counter for an hour or two. Once you’ve waited, take the rubber band and stretch it out. In most cases, the rubber band will stretch without snapping. In this post I want to highlight a technique that I’ve used to elongate and stretch the rubber band without snapping. If the following has worked for me, I believe it could work for you too. Just a friendly reminder the following information is for informational purposes only. If you’re looking for additional help, reach out and work with a professional.
Often when we deploy our gained tools and tactics on our personal journeys, we have a natural tendency to go from zero to sixty in as little time as possible. I have seen that our natural stride is to move forward and check off as many boxes along way as quickly as possible. Just like taking a frozen rubber band out of the freezer and wanting it to stretch without breaking. Going from point A to point B with efficiency is great, but moving hastily isn’t. Moving hastily can lead to loss of direction and meaning in the process and journey. Which is why it is important to pull back the reins and ease off the effort or pace as we move from point to point along our journey. Thus allowing ourselves to thaw and stretch without breaking, snapping, or going over the edge.
Like I mentioned in previous posts, this time of year we tend to add more responsibilities to our already busy schedules. With added responsibilities there is a possibility of losing ourselves, getting lost in all the noise, or trying to move upward before we’re ready. We need to allow ourselves time and space for curing and strengthening prior to our next step. Which is why it is with upmost importance, after the building block months of January and February to allow for the month of March to be one of reinforcement and connectivity. This is the time to connect the dots, joints, and angles to ensure that we are strong as we move upward.
Easing off can and will look differently for everyone. Though the principles all remain the same. Backing off to rest, recover, and rejuvenate will assist you in feeling refreshed, recovered, and ready for the increased demands and stressors. Here are a few examples that might be helpful to you. If you’re frequently in service of others, this can look like taking more time for yourself. If you’re feeling burnt out in your recreation or exercise routine, back it off or mix it up. Most of all, you are happy with what you are doing and living your best life.
Using evidence-based practices can help and assist in reaching your goals and dreams in a safe and effective way.
Capital Recreation 