TRAUMA v's RELAXATION DON’T WAIT UNTIL BURNOUT OR PHYSICAL INJURY BEFORE YOU TAKE THE TIME OUT TO RELAX.
By Suellen Pike
F
rom a noticeably young age till now, I had always been in fight & flight or survival mode. As the years passed, I then became a loving mother to 5 wonderful, energetic children (who never slept), a FIFO wife and maintaining a very demanding job (I was on 24/7). Relaxation was not an option, and I quickly switched to auto piolet. It did not take long before I was completely exhausted, running on fumes, I became a ghost of my former self. I was tired ALL THE TIME! I needed to rest! I chose to avoid the issues and buried myself in exercise! “you need to burn energy to make energy” was a quote I lived by. It quickly shifted into more than that for me. As my world started to spiral out of control, I leant harder into exercise. It became my crutch, a form of release. Somewhere I was in control! So, I would push my body through horrendous limits. I was in masculine overdrive. I went to extremes! Instead of creating a form of calm and relax. I was punishing my body. I created burnout. I still did not stop… somehow, I managed to keep going till now, 39yrs young, not listening to my body and pushing the boundaries, until I broke my ankle.
I finally gave myself permission to relax! I fully embodied this experience for what it was, I started embracing my Feminine flow. Slowing the mind down, I started with guided meditation! Then progressed to reading, sitting in the sun and much more.
For the first time in my life I have had to be still! Learning a whole new way of being! I was not able to run, hide or switch off! I was now facing some home truths and seeing what I was avoiding.
After some time, I was able to reintroduce stretching (so much goodness right there), a little light walking (exercise that is gentle on your body) and some outdoor adventures, like going to the beach.
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Engaging all these amazing techniques of relaxation, it was like someone had sprinkled some magic dust over me. I was feeling less frustrated, less angry at things. This led to a very speedy recovery, smashing my goals! I have become clearer and more deepened in my positive mind set. Sleeping better than I ever have in years, feeling more energised! I am now in full awareness of the importance of practicing relaxation and how it benefits you.
