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In our relentless overloaded world, we often feel depleted and more tired when we get up in the morning than when we go to bed. Our productivity levels and the quality of our work depreciates with speed. The quicker we approach tasks the more likely we are inclined to make errors. When we feel up and high, we ride our hectic life like a high performing surfer in the flow of a great wave, but when we’re down often we wipe out, burn ourselves out and can’t seem to overcome exhaustion. Most importantly though this has long lasting and detrimental consequences for our health and well being such as high blood pressure, fragile immune systems and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Technology can keep you plugged in with your clients and peers, but sometimes being online 24-7 can come at the expense of forming stronger offline relationships at home and at work.

In her highly acclaimed book “Frazzled “Ruby Wax argues that “500 years ago no-one died of stress: we invented this concept and now we let it rule us. We might have evolved to be able to miraculously balance on seven-inch heels, but as far as our emotional development is concerned we’re still swimming with the pond scum. If we don’t advance our more human qualities then we’re doomed evolution-wise to become cyborgs, with an imprint of an ‘Apple’ where our hearts used to be.”

Ruby then goes on to show us a scientific solution to these modern problems: mindfulness.

Similarly, in her deeply personal book “Thrive” Arianna Huffington talks candidly about her own challenges with managing time and prioritising the demands of a career and two daughters.

Drawing on the latest groundbreaking research and scientific findings in the fields of psychology, sports, sleep and physiology

that show the profound and transformative effects of meditation, mindfulness, unplugging and giving, Arianna paves the way to a revolution in our culture, our thinking, our workplaces and our lives.

In some of her case studies Arianna eloquently describes the advantages of unplugging from social media, i phones, emails and the internet. For example, “Lesley Perlow, professor at Havard Business School introduced something called predictable time off (PTO), in which you take a planned night off – no email, no work, no smart phone, no social media. At one company that tried it, the Boston Consulting Group, productivity went up, and it’s now a company wide programme.”

Arianna also cites another interesting case where “Editor of Scene magazine Peter Davis recounted a dinner party in which the host offered to check the guests’ smartphones at the door.

Perhaps smartphones at a party should be treated like coats, usually taken to a back room or otherwise stowed away until guests are ready to leave.”

As one my February and then April self care projects, I’ve set myself the challenge of having an unplugged predictable time off, pyjama day, something I haven’t indulged in since I was in my early 20s

You know why? Because I have always fallen trap to the too busy and too guilty trap to do so!!

Over to you

Ever dreamt of staying in your PJ’s all day long?

Well now you can! You have my permission and encouragement as a Mindfulness and Well Being Coach..

It’s the perfect excuse to stay in your comfy PJs all day long watching your favourite films and DVD box sets and for the more curious amongst you, listening to some offline mindfulness meditations too.

So how about setting a date in January or February to treat yourself to a guilt free, unplugged predictable time off, pyjama day like me?

For those of you who are unfamiliar, a Pyjama day is when you spend the whole day in your jimjams.

What are the benefits of PJ Days and Mindfulness?

• They are relaxing
• The time stress pressure is off
• A reduction in stress and anxiety levels
• A better night’s sleep
• Better memory retention
• The ability to feel less distracted and to focus more

It’s a great opportunity to catch up on all your favourite films and box sets too

HAPPY PJ DAY !!

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