Ever had one of those weeks where everything seems to fall apart personally, yet professionally you're absolutely smashing it? That was my week in a nutshell. Talk about a paradox! But despite the chaos, I had to keep pushing forward.
Here's the thing: when life throws a curveball, our immediate reaction is to hit the brakes. "Oh no, it's been a rough week; I deserve to do nothing!" We give our primitive brain full control, allowing it to craft a million excuses for avoiding 'The Thing.' And what's 'The Thing'? More often than not, it's self-care.
We all know self-care is crucial. Yet, we continuously find reasons to skip it. I'm just as guilty. This weekend, I had to deliberately carve out time for self-care. I needed to recharge, remind myself that it's perfectly fine to take a breather. The world won't stop spinning, nor will it burst into flames, if I decide to step off for a moment.
The Intellectual vs. Primitive Brain: Why It Matters
Let's dive deeper into why we're so prone to finding excuses. It all boils down to the battle between our intellectual brain and our primitive brain.
Our **intellectual brain** is the rational part. It's the voice of reason, planning, and logic. It's the part that knows self-care is essential, understands the benefits, and sets those intentions.
Then there's the **primitive brain**. This is the instinctual part, responsible for our fight-or-flight responses. It's great for survival, but not so much for making thoughtful decisions. When we're stressed or overwhelmed, this part of our brain takes charge. It's all about immediate gratification and avoiding discomfort, hence the plethora of excuses: "I'm too tired," "I'll do it tomorrow," "I deserve a break."
Why is this relevant? Because recognising this inner conflict is the first step towards overcoming it. When you catch yourself making excuses, understand that it's your primitive brain talking. Acknowledge it, but don't let it take over.
Take Charge
So, how do we counteract our primitive brain's tendencies? Here are a few tips:
1. Set Non-Negotiables: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Schedule it in like you would a meeting and stick to it.
2. Small Steps Don't overwhelm yourself with grand plans. Start small. Even a ten-minute walk can make a difference.
3. Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness to stay present. It helps in recognising when your primitive brain is trying to take control.
4. Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. It's okay to step back and take a break. Self-care isn't selfish; it's necessary.
Remember, it's easy to let the primitive brain win, but you have the power to choose otherwise. Stop finding reasons not to do it. Prioritise yourself, and watch as every aspect of your life starts to improve.
Now, go on. Take that break. You deserve it. And trust me, the world will keep on turning.
So if you know without a doubt your self care needs a bit of ‘pep in it’s step’ get your self to my weekly online Deep Relaxation Classes. For £60 a month not only will it lower your stress and anxiety levels, but it will give you a massive self-confidence boost and a huge dose of self-care. Who doesn’t need or want that?
Deep Relaxation class: https://square.link/u/94oiS1VL?src=sheet
Nicola xoxo
