In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to relax can often feel like an insurmountable challenge. Whether it’s the pressures of work, family, or societal expectations, many of us struggle to give ourselves permission to take a break. As Martin Benefer from Barefoot Coaching points out, the struggle isn’t just about time; it’s also about mindset. But with the right approach, relaxation can become a regular, rejuvenating part of our lives—one that enhances our effectiveness and well-being.
Why We Struggle to Relax
According to Martin, many people hesitate to relax because of deep-seated beliefs that equate rest with laziness. “We just feel like we’re wrong if we don’t do anything,” he says. This mindset is often influenced by societal narratives that praise constant productivity and can make it difficult for individuals to take the breaks they need.
However, Martin emphasises that rest is crucial for maintaining both physical and mental health. Without it, we can become stressed, narrow-minded, and less effective in our work and personal lives. On the other hand, regular relaxation allows us to recharge, reflect, and sometimes even re-evaluate our approach to various tasks, leading to better outcomes in the long run.
The Role of Coaching in Promoting Relaxation
This is where coaching, particularly the approach used by Barefoot Coaching, can be incredibly valuable. Barefoot Coaching is known for its practical, client-centered approach, helping individuals and organizations unlock their potential through personal and professional development. Founded by Kim Morgan, Barefoot Coaching has become a respected name in the coaching industry, offering a range of services including accredited coaching training and one-on-one coaching sessions.
Martin, who is part of the Barefoot Coaching team, advocates for a technique that involves identifying and challenging limiting beliefs. “One of the techniques we encourage with people is a poster exercise,” he explains. “You just write down the beliefs that you have on post-its… and then look at those beliefs to see which ones are true, which ones maybe aren’t so true, and which ones are complete nonsense.”
This exercise is not just about relaxation but can be applied to any area of life where one feels stuck or overwhelmed. By examining these beliefs, individuals often discover that some of their limiting thoughts no longer serve them and can be discarded or rephrased. This process creates mental space, allowing for more effective and enjoyable relaxation and overall life balance.
Actionable Steps to Integrate Relaxation into Your Life
If you’re finding it difficult to relax, here are some actionable steps, inspired by Martin’s insights, that you can start implementing today:
Identify What You Need a Break From: The first step to effective relaxation is understanding what exactly you need a break from. Whether it’s physical exhaustion, mental overload, or emotional stress, pinpointing the source helps you choose the best way to relax.
Challenge Your Beliefs About Rest: Use the poster exercise recommended by Barefoot Coaching. Write down your beliefs about relaxation (e.g., “Resting is lazy,” “I don’t have time to relax”). Then, challenge these beliefs. Are they really true? Could they be rephrased in a way that allows you more freedom to rest?
Make Relaxation a Routine: Rather than seeing relaxation as a luxury or a once-in-a-while treat, make it a regular part of your daily routine. Whether it’s a short walk, reading a book, or simply sitting quietly, find what works for you and stick to it.
Seek Professional Coaching: If you find it challenging to make time for relaxation or struggle with other areas of personal development, consider seeking the help of a professional coach. Coaching can provide you with the tools, techniques, and support you need to overcome mental barriers and achieve a healthier work-life balance.
Start Small: You don’t need to overhaul your entire schedule to incorporate relaxation. Start with small, manageable changes, like setting aside 10 minutes a day for a quiet activity that you enjoy. Gradually, you can build up to longer periods of rest as you begin to see the benefits.
Conclusion
Relaxation is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a crucial component of a balanced, fulfilling life. By challenging our beliefs about rest and integrating relaxation into our daily routines, we can improve our effectiveness, creativity, and overall well-being. And with the support of coaching professionals like those at Barefoot Coaching, we can break through the barriers that prevent us from fully embracing rest.
As Martin Benefer reminds us, it’s not just about knowing that relaxation is important—it’s about giving ourselves permission to make it a priority. So, as you move forward, take these steps to heart, and remember that a little rest can go a long way in helping you achieve your goals
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