A Little, Often: Switch Off

Move into relaxation anytime, anywhere...

A Little, Often is a monthly feature on Balance Practice, offering a (practical) yoga-inspired practice to support you to come into balance off the mat, where it matters most.

It’s December and things are noisy so I’ll keep this brief so that you have time to practice — that is, after all, what we’re here for. 

To-do lists have a way of continually extending, and rest too often struggles to find its way into the mix. It’s been a long year and we are tired! And yet, so many of us continue to prolong switching off in the ways that we so urgently need. 

Maybe resting more feels counterintuitive when there’s so much to do?

Or when you find a calm moment you feel a bit, well, stuck in a mode of going, making, and doing? 

Seasonal overstimulation is real, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself at a loose end, uncomfortable, or unsettled when you close your laptop or tick that last gift off your list and don’t feel immediate relief. It’s hard to flip the switch from effort to ease. We’re so stimulated, all the time, that when left to “just rest,” it’s common to feel the lingering mental and physical tension that resides between working and resting.

You’re well versed in engaging fully, but can you move in the opposite direction — toward rest and ease?

Move into Relaxation

You won’t find real rejuvenation in the middle. You have to go all the way. When you think you’ve switched off, keep going. There’s usually more to release.

Use this practice to feel the difference that relaxing completely — even for just a moment — makes, knowing that your well-timed pauses are what will sustain you and help you to avoid collapsing into Christmas day or limping into the new year.