There are many times when I feel a bit stressed out at work and home during the day. Being responsible for multiple projects at work means that I’m always awaiting responses from colleagues and it’s often quite time sensitive, but it’s also important to realise that it’s out of my control – that in itself reminds me to take a step back and BREATHE! I also have those days, like we all do where I have meetings all day long, but then I’ll have to get a report out the same day and there doesn’t seem like enough hours in the day.
And then there are times at home where I’m in completely new territory – I don’t know how to deal with a situation that has cropped up… and I just can’t see a solution. Usually, I can tell when I’m feeling the familiar knots of tension in my tummy and it’ll be enough for me to at least stop and breathe – two full deep breaths. But sometimes if this goes on for long enough, say I’ve had a stressful week or fortnight – I can end up feeling pretty overwhelmed and not knowing what my warning signs are, so just not knowing when to stop.
It’s not till I feel a lot worse (you know, the palpitations, hyperventilation and problematic skin) that I finally realise that I need to take two minutes to regroup my nervous energy. So when I was in the middle of a busy day today, to be very honest, I didn’t think that I had the time for Marta’s two minute meditation… but I thought that as it was Day 4’s challenge I’d do it.
I’m so glad I did. It made such a difference and the main theme was bringing you back to the right here, right now, and grounding yourself. It was calming and uplifting and was more relaxing than my normal two breaths. Definitely something that I would be happy to do next time I feel anxious, and the best thing is that it took hardly any time at all.
The second part of Day 4 asked us to take stock of days one to three so far. I can definitely say that I have felt a difference. The Happynesshub Hints have been really good and quick to be able to action and I’ve been carrying on with the Gratitude book since day one –I’m working on the positive focus and I’m enjoying my walks in to work a lot more. The videos are fantastic and so watchable and around 3 minutes long but crammed full of valuable information. The way Sally draws on her own experiences really resonates with me and the added value comes from the meditation and movement videos which I think are amazing – so calming and energising at the same time. In a nutshell, I have been on other self-improvement and positivity programmes but never one as content rich as this and I am truly grateful to all the people – Sally, Marta and team – who must have spent months and months putting this all together in such an amazing content rich format.
I have really looked forward to opening my email every day to see what each day will bring and what I will be learning about for the day. I can categorically say it’s increased my happiness and I’m looking forward to the rest of the journey!
Hiya Kam, thank you for the lovely feedback.
I often wonder if we’re providing people with TOO much information, too many options, but it’s reassuring to hear that you look forward to receiving it rather than feeling like you’re being bombarded with content.
And for those who don’t have the time / head space to look at it all we really just hope that everyone will find something in the package that they can enjoy and learn from, even if they completly ignore other aspects.
On the meditation note – Isn’t it funny how we find it hard to make time for a two-minute meditation?! Even though we rationally know it will do us a lot of good. Yet I always find time to make several cups of tea across the day. Sally’s idea of doing it on the toilet makes me chuckle but also makes perfect sense.
So glad that you are enjoying the Days. Hope they continue to help x
Hi Catherine, thanks so much. The toolkit is amazing and I’m loving how it’s being delivered. You are right,its a little loopy that we tell ourselves that we dont have 2 minutes to meditate, even though we know were going to feel tons better. I’ve told all my friends about the Happyness hub and I hope they’ll sign up. X
It is hard to believe that a couple of breaths or a couple of minutes of tuning inwards can make a substantial difference, yet they can! Most importantly, I feel, that this just goes to show that whether it is external circumstances, or misalignment within ourselves, the best way to make space between ourselves and whatever makes us feel unsteady is turning to our breath. That very breath that happens in the present moment, nowhere else. Our first port of call, our biggest and brightest tool in our first aid box. Breathe and smile xxx
Marta,thank you! I never used to believe you when you told me to ‘breathe’ but you are so right. It really does help ground me when I need it. The trick will be to do it whenever I’m feeling unsteady,not just in the extreme moments.x
Oh Kam, thank you so much for your feedback, it is so lovely and heartwarming to know that the work is supporting you and that we are pitching it right. I am all too well aware that we are all different and that not everything will work for everyone. Also, that by the end of the 21 days as Catherine says you may feel a good deal has been thrown your way. But this reload package is about us ensuring we get it right for as many people as possible and we will continue to take on board everybody’s feedback. However, to know that these first few days have worked for you is wonderful. And I am so impressed you took the 2 minutes out. Well done you! It means such a lot to the team that our Heroes are really testing the toolkit and giving it a go. Thank you Kam. In my gratitude diary. Hugs xx PS love the photo!
Hi Sally thanks so much for your lovely comments and more importantly for having a dream. And then compiling this content and putting it out here for us to use with the sole benefit that we apply some of these delicious nuggets to our lives so that we can feel healthy and happier. Really appreciate that we get to test it out. In my gratitude journal tonight. Thanks again xx