Relax to go Faster
Relax to go faster? Yes.
I heard of this concept about a month ago at a time management seminar. The speaker was a wife, mother of two, a speaker, a writer, and a successful entrepreneur of a few different businesses. Needless to say, she is a very busy woman. She told us a story I’ll never forget.
One day in spin class, there was a man who was pedaling really hard on his bike. It was a tough class and they were on an incline climbing hills. The instructor looked over at him and saw that he was really struggling. The man’s face was red from exertion, his shoulders were tense, and his hands were clenched tightly to the handlebars.
The instructor got off his bike and walked over to the struggling man and asked him if he was okay. The man said, “Yes, I’m fine, I’m just trying to go faster.” The instructor said, “Relax to go faster.” He told him to loosen his grip, relax his shoulders, and take a deep breath. He did as he was told and guess what happened? He went faster!
How many times have you caught yourself trying to do more in a day, yet not feeling productive? You don’t feel productive so you put your head down and you try even harder. After days, weeks, months, or even years of this, you are soon so worn out that you’re basically running on fumes. You try harder to get more done, but you are even less productive than ever.
What does this have to do with health and fitness? Everything.
As women, we are often pulled in so many directions at work, at home, and in our relationships. We have to do this and we have to do that. We have to get this thing done and that thing done. On top of everything, we desire to get fit, feel good, eat healthy, and have more energy.
When was the last time you relaxed? Relaxation and pampering doesn’t have to be exclusive to Mother’s Day.
Moms, are you taking time for yourself every day? Are you relaxing so that you can go faster? Are you allotting time to be alone, without distractions so you can read, journal, meditate, pray, or just be in solitude? This can’t be just a one-time thing. It must be a priority. It must be something you set aside time to do often.
I’ve been putting this into practice, and I am more productive than ever. When we are more productive, we can spend more time on ourselves – exercising, preparing healthy meals, and re-energizing ourselves through reading, journaling, and meditating.
To all the moms out there, enjoy your special day and remember that pampering yourself and setting aside time to rejuvenate and refocus is not exclusive to Mother’s Day. Commit this year to relaxing to go faster and watch not only your productivity, but your quality of life increase tenfold.
What is your favorite way to relax? Share it with us over on my Facebook page!
Kim
