In Melbourne we are currently living a new life: ‘COVID Normal’. Coming out of harsh lockdowns has been a challenging experience for many of us. In the clinic throughout the Christmas and New Year period, we have been hearing many of our patients say “I forgot how tiring it is to socialise!” As we welcome 2021 with open arms, it’s important that we recognise how to put our ‘social battery’ on power-saving mode and how to recharge when we feel depleted.

Power saving mode: How to recharge as you go

1. Saying ‘no’ without guilt

Saying ‘no’ can be challenging at times. We can often feeling guilty about staying at home and doing nothing, especially when we feel like there is something else we should be doing. There’s always going to be something else to do: cleaning out the wardrobe, catching up with an old friend for drinks, getting to the dentist for a check-up. However, we need to allow ourselves time to rest and recuperate before the time comes that we have completely worn ourselves down to the core, and there’s no energy left to give. Saying ‘no’ to the never-ending list of things to do (even for half a day), can give you more energy to tackle the list at another time. Understanding that saying ‘no’ doesn’t mean you are being flaky, selfish or lazy; rather you are choosing to prioritise your mental wellbeing and overall health. Allowing yourself to say ‘no’ without guilt will ultimately keep your social battery going stronger for longer.

2. Limiting your screen time

Putting your phone (as well as other devices) on ‘Do Not Disturb’ for an hour each day will limit the amount of input and feedback coming your way. Each time you get a notification, your brain is absorbing new information and the clogs start turning. Limiting the amount of time you spend in front of a screen each day can significantly reduce the overwhelming feeling of bombardment we get when our social battery starts to run low.

3. Allowing yourself time to breathe…

… Literally and metaphorically. Breathing sounds like something we do habitually. To some extent, that’s correct. However there are many different breathing techniques that can relax your body and assist in alleviating anxiety and stress.

Diaphragmatic Breathing:

To begin, lay comfortably on your back.
Place one hand on your stomach and the other hand on your chest.
Inhale deeply into your stomach. The hand on your stomach should rise.
Exhale slowly. The hand on your stomach should sink.
The hand on your chest should not move throughout this exercise.

4. Getting out of your head by getting into your mind

‘Mindfulness’ may be a phrase you’ve heard before. Mindfulness is a technique used to relax, reduce stress, alleviate anxiety and clear the mind by increasing your awareness of your surroundings, feelings and breathing. Mindfulness is a range of techniques including guided meditation, breathing exercises, and many other methods.

To begin your journey in mindfulness, you can check out this Ted Talk with Phil Boissiere here!

At Contagious Enthusiasm, we have a wide range of extremely talented therapists from multiple different modalities that can assist you in stress relief, calming the body and relaxing the mind.

• Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture with Dr Lea Zarnowski
  You can read more about how Chinese medicine and acupuncture can help you here
• Reflexology with Nicole Seckinger
  You can read more about Nicole and all the wonderful ways she can help you here
• Life Coaching and/or Counselling with Poli Zoungas
  You can read more about Poli and her incredible work here
• Clinical Psychology with Dr Meera Aurora
  You can read more about the benefits of clinical psychology here
• Beauty Therapy with Marysze Molloy
  You can read more about how Marysze can help you feel amazing here
• Relaxation massage, remedial massage and myotherapy
  You can read about all of our wonderful myotherapists here
  

To make an appointment, feel free to give us a call on 9502 0650.
Alternatively, you can make a booking online at  https://www.contagiousenthusiasm.com.au/

For more content and information, head over to our Instagram: @contagiousenthusiasm

Written by Ashlee Crisp

To have any success in removing stress form your life you need to have the ability to see the world in a different light. Here are three things you can do immediately to create a healthy flow in your life. First, do your best to not take life so seriously by simply sharing your smile and helping bring someone else a little joy in theirs. Secondly, be mindful that what you project to the world is what comes back to you. So choose your thoughts, words and actions wisely. Thirdly, be kind to yourself because you are important and matter greatly in this world. To do this you need to honour all your efforts no matter how small or large they may be. With that, be kind, care for others and love who you are because you deserve all that and more!

Written By Poli Zoungas – Life Coach & Meditation Instructor