When do you know if you’ve pushed too hard in life? How do you know when to pull back, retreat, regroup and recharge?
I admit that life post-cancer is a constant struggle to find this proper balance. On the one hand, I have my life back and I am so excited to do all the things I have always known I am meant to do! On the other… I acknowledge that I was diagnosed with cancer largely due to the fact that my stress levels and ‘push’ vs ‘pull’ were not in balance. I don’t think it just has to do with those who have had serious illnesses (and please do not wait until this happens to you!). Stress and busy-ness happen to everyone!
What to do?
I am currently experiencing a higher than normal volume of demands and work. This is a good thing:). This summer, auditions have been coming in at a record speed and frequency, fantastic gigs are being booked, client inquiries are appearing out of nowhere, and I am feeling a bit overwhelmed! This makes juggling quality family life and personal goals much more challenging at the moment. Where do I pull back?
I think for a lot of us, when time and energy demands are sky-high, we tend to pull back where we ironically need to focus more of our energy. Fitness, nutrition, sleep and spiritual wellbeing are often put on the back burner. But.. we need to keep all these things in check if we want to stay balanced in more demanding times:).
I haven’t figured it all out, and I realize that it is a work in progress, but here are a few tips that help me get through the most demanding of days:
- Keep hydrated! If you are well hydrated, your body will eliminate toxins more efficiently, your skin will glow, you will sleep better, and you will make better food choices when stress gets the best of you.
- Ditch the caffeine! I know I just posted about coffee and how much I love it and will never give it up. This is still true. However… when I am feeling extra stressed, or sleep deprived, I recognize that the extra caffeine will do more harm than good. So I try to limit my intake to 1 coffee per day, and reduce all other sources of caffeine to a minimum as well (i.e. tea, chocolate, natural energy shots). You will also sleep better. Speaking of which…
- Get your zzzz’s! No matter what, you need a solid nights sleep. If getting 7-9 quality hours of sleep in a row doesn’t seem possible, try and get a short nap. Studies show that napping may be more effective than caffeine at restoring mental clarity & energy. You can try a 10 minute power nap, or a 30 minute boost. If you have the time and the need for more, a longer nap of around 1.5hrs is recommended. Anything more will affect your nighttime slumber and may leave you drowsier than you were to begin with!
- Plan ahead with food! Make a one-dish meal on a day where you have fewer demands. Freeze small portions to take you through busier times again. I like keeping lots of portable snacks and small meals with me at all times: fruits, nutritious shakes and healthy protein bars are my go-to favourites.
- Make time for movement! Quit the all-or-nothing attitude about fitness. If you are short on time, a little can still go a long way. Try HIIT training or Tabata (if you don’t know what these are, I can help!). Do a little home yoga/stretch (10-15 minutes will do wonders). Take a walk around the block or crank up the tunes and have a living room dance party! The possibilities are endless:).
I hope this helps to get you through the most challenging times! You will feel so much better if you take small steps to be as prepared and focused as possible through stressful times. Let me know your thoughts and feel free to share your tips on how to survive stressful moments!
