Flow IN LIFE AND TRAILS

or ‘sticking’ when transitioning to the next role.

One method to help prevent sticking or resistance of moving from task-to-task is to self-acknowledge how you can improve next time, then let it go. A negative coping strategy that increases sticking is shifting the blame to others for our poor behaviour and not accepting responsibility. Owning a mistake is far more empowering than faking perfection or placing the entire blame on someone else. Here are some tips to help be more mindful or present:

• Organise your day to allow smooth transition from role to role. This may require better communication with the family to ensure there is no confusion over roles the following day, sending a reminder text, or ensuring your favourite running shorts are ready to go for the morning’s scheduled run.

• Get a standing desk. Sitting for any more than 3 hrs a day contributes not only to a host of disease states, but it creates a ‘shut down’ mode in the body. Sitting deadens the gluts and shortens our hip flexors, therefore ruining our running stride!

• Schedule meditation. Think of sitting and focusing on your breath as the ultimate training for body and mind alignment. Start with 5min and work it up. It’s a great way to get to know yourself and be less affected with surrounding negativity.

• Schedule in joy daily. Don’t just exist for the weekend or bi-annual holiday. Have moments in your every day life to look forward to. Putting joy in your day is not selfish because it benefits you and your loved ones.

• Take a deep breath. If you feel like you’re unable to focus on the task at hand, taking a deep breath in the nose allowing the stomach to expand and then release will help centre and calm yourself.

• Control your phone, don’t let it control you. Turn off notifications from social media platforms and have your phone face down when engaging in tasks so you are not distracted. Face-to-face communication is slowly being eroded – cherish it. It’s where the true magic happens.

INSIDER KNOWLEDGE: Brad Dixon is a sports physio, coach and wellness evangelist at EVERFIT Physio & Coaching. He’s written a book titled Holistic Human, and believes the power is in our daily habits. Find him at everfit.co.nz or through his socials @ everfitcoach.