For me, taking a break, doing nothing, relaxing are deeply courageous and feminine actions.
We all know that relaxation is important – especially in this age of stress and burn-out. So why don’t we do it? Or only at precisely prescribed times that are accepted by society?
I still find it hard to lie in my hammock at home at eleven in the morning or at two in the afternoon when my neighbor is just scurrying around doing this and that. Even if I actually know that I’m having my period and rest is best, or because I’m going to be working late in the evening.
We are sooo conditioned to performance! Have you ever met someone who took ‘lazy’ as a compliment? I never have. We define ourselves by what we DO and not what we ARE. You’ve probably heard all this before, but please finish these sentences – WITHOUT thinking!
“Anyone who is lazy is….”
“Those who need rest are…”
So, did you happen to come across an old belief?
Here’s the thing: you are so much happier, more productive and more fulfilled when you learn to ride the cycle of tension and relaxation (spanda-nispanda in yoga). We can only make good decisions when our nervous system is not flooded with cortisol and adrenaline, but when we are relaxed and balanced. The world needs relaxed nervous systems, urgently! So make a start, be brave, face your fears and take regular breaks every day. The male brain wants to find solutions (mine too!), the female brain wants to connect – for this it needs trust and oxytocin. This is produced when your vagus nerve is in a good mood and you are relaxed.
That’s why taking a break is deeply courageous and feminine!
PS: if you want to know how to regulate your nervous system, look here.