I can't hear myself think

Carrying on from yesterday's post, try and create space for yourself during your working day, there are going to be some questions as to WHY? Why do you need to create space for yourself? Why should we take time out to exercise every day - and preferably on our own? Why should we switch off the phones and tune out the noise?

It is a simple technique that gives our mind a break from structured thinking and to think creatively once more.

      "it came to me when I was running" said Paul. Paul changes out of his business suit every lunch time or whenever he gets a break long enough between meetings and into a hideous pair of shorts, ratty old t-shirt and battered cap, plugs himself in and away he goes. Everyone else thinks he's mad to run for 30 minutes in the heat of a Perth summer, except me.

      "my best thinking time is in the shower" says Elizabeth. I've suggested she take up running again too as it was something she stopped doing to attempt to pack more work into her busy day. "Have you been more productive as a result?" "Well I got more done" - "Yes, but at what cost to you and your own well being?" She's taken up running again and after one week is glowing with vitality and energy.

My best thinking times always come during my walking times.

But what if you don't work?

Stay at home mums with young kids; school / uni students with endless distractions and lots of homework?

Well I believe the same principle applies to you too. Find time when you can be alone for 20-30 minutes every day.

Mums, when the kids go down for a nap forget about the housework instead break out the yoga DVD or climb on the exercise bike you've got stashed in the corner. You need to find space and time to remember who you are. You are not just someone who carried the children, gave birth and are now their primary carer during the day (with apologies to the house dad's out there - BTW this is for you too). Nor are you just the person who does the cleaning in the spare time - you are you and it is important to remember that and create space for yourself - treat yourself to the endorphin rush that always comes with exercise and you'll find you can cope with almost anything.

For my gorgeous kids, teens and young adults who read these musings, you too should get into this daily habit. Find time between classes and walk. Remember though it is not a joint activity, you do need to get away from the constant chattering. If you find that all too hard, it might be sensible to wait until after school has finished, get home, dump books and bags, get your track gear on and get going for 20 - 30 minutes. Do it because I can almost guarantee you will get your assignments and work finished faster as a result of being able to get out of your structured mind and into your body for a short period of time.

Get out of your mind and into your body. Allow it to feel, allow it to breathe and sweat a little. As you get into your body your mind can run riot. Give it a couple of days and you will wonder how you managed without doing it for so long.

With many thoughts

Elle