Live Whole Health #341: Pace yourself
VA News ·
Plans will always change. Loosen your grip on the schedule, take a slow, calm breath (pace yourself!), and enjoy the moment you are in.
What are your plans for today? Maybe you plan out your whole day, or even your whole week. You look at a long to-do list and try to figure out how it will all fit. How long will the drive to your next appointment take? How much time will you spend at the grocery store? How long will it take to fix the leaky kitchen faucet? And how will you get everything done before the game starts tonight?
Of course, things rarely go according to plan. Construction makes your drive to VA longer, and your doctor has to fit you in between other patients. You can’t find what you need at the store, and the checkout line is long. The faucet keeps dripping even after you replace the O-rings. By the time you get to the game, it’s almost halftime. Always running behind leaves you annoyed and angry. “Nothing’s going the way I planned!”
This is what happens when we try to make life fit our schedule. We get frustrated and stressed instead of being present in the moment. Everyday problems, like construction or a slow line, can raise our blood pressure and tighten our muscles. We focus on what’s in our way instead of what’s going well. We feel stressed by things that aren’t really a threat at all.
The next time you feel behind and frustrated, try loosening your grip on the schedule. Remember that not everything on your to-do list has to get done. Then use a stress-management technique to help you return to the present moment.
You could try paced breathing, simple movement or stretching, or listening to your favorite song. You could also do anything else that helps you feel grounded. Your plans will change anyway, so give yourself permission to enjoy the moment you’re in. You can still watch the second half of the game.
Try this 8-minute paced breathing practice when the plans go awry or you need to relax:
Stress can be a hindrance to enjoying your life, but mindfulness can help you to slow down and appreciate each moment. Learn more about how mindfulness practices can support your Whole Health .