You are not alone.
Putting work before rest is a societal value. Being busy makes you important.
But it doesn’t make it healthy.
And what do you end up sacrificing the most?
Lack of sleep is linked to obesity, cancer, diabetes, immune dysfunction, Alzheimer’s Disease, Sleep Apnea and gastrointestinal disorders.
These are the top health issues in Western Society, and yet we still have a resistance to rest.
This was what was keeping my good friend awake at night.
She was strung out and exhausted from waking at 3 or 4 am being unable to get back to sleep every morning for two weeks.
She was in tears explaining this to me on the phone.
I walked Julie through how to tap the acupressure points associated with the meridians that were most active during the time she was waking, and she felt a massive sense of relief, “like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders,” she said.
Since the emotional themes of the meridians that gave her relief were fear of the unknown and lack of faith, I wanted to identify the life stressor causing this, so I asked…
“I know work has been intense for you, but you just got a big raise, so your job is secure, right?”
Julie replied, “I know they can’t afford to let me go. And yet, I have an elevated level of anxiety about getting it all done.”
I challenged her, “So you can rest when you are dead then? What is more important here, you and your health or the never-ending to do list?”
A lightbulb went off in her head, and she replied, “Well that is just the thing, I think I base my value and what I think of myself on how much I do”.
BINGO!!!!
Anyone else relate to this?
As a little girl, Julie remembered her mom coming in on a weekend and saying, “Okay, you gotta get up. You don’t have time to sleep now. You have a lot to do. You can’t go out until you get all your stuff done.”
Fast forward 40 years later, she still believes she has to get it all done before she can have joy.
The truth is…
You will never be able to get it all done.
So how about giving yourself care, rest and joy BEFORE you even start your To-Do List?
If you are thinking, WHAT?!— I have a practical reason for this.
What if Julie’s mom came into her room and said, “How are you today?” And gave her a hug and a kiss in the morning?
Instead, she’s like, okay, let’s get going. Mom is sending the subconscious message that Julie has to do a list of things in order to be loved and appreciated.
When you work first, you are sending yourself that same message. When the truth is ….
You don’t have to do anything to be loved; you are lovable as you are.
What if you did a soothing exercise in the morning after you woke up that got you energized and motivated to start your day?
When you feel inspired, isn’t it easier to get anything accomplished?
When you feel good about yourself, doesn’t everything feel easier?
You actually can get more accomplished in less time, IF you are in a good mood and headspace.
This is the reason it is important to put care, rest and joy first;)
Julie was able to sleep through the night after talking and tapping this through.
AND she started putting her needs first BEFORE work every day.
AND it not only improved her productivity but also made her happier.
So please think about how you might give yourself care and joy BEFORE you start your day.
It could be as easy as listening to your favorite music as you get ready for work, making time to exercise in the morning or sitting down and eating a great breakfast while reading something inspiring or doing one of the soothing exercises I am going to be teaching in my Best Sleep Series.
It’s time to make your wellbeing a priority.
Join me for this important workshop series.
Because you deserve rest.
You deserve to feel your best.
Much love, peace and joy,
