Why Stress Shouldn't be Ignored.

Last Friday was sunny and warm-ish for a February day in the mountains. It was one of those work days where I had a mid-day meeting, a list of to-dos to finish up and my toddler was home with me. As a business owner working from home, I have been fully immersed in mom-life and entrepreneurship before and during the global pandemic. I know what it’s like to have a full plate, to give in all ares of life, simultaneously. As a Yogi, I am astutely aware of my body, knowing when it needs movement, rest, more fresh foods, meditation…let’s just say I know what I need when I take the time to listen and observe. Maybe it was the stage of the moon, or the sudden shift toward spring, hormones, or something else entirely that day, but I knew, deep in my bones, that I needed to sit in the sun. To soak up the rays. To be still and give my body and mind space to rest. Despite this, I tried to send emails, but felt clouded, my words jumbled.

So, I went outside with my daughter and played with her while soaking up the sun. We had a snack outside and I sat. Still. Reflective. Aware of the sun warming my body and of my body and mind slowing down. Enjoying the space to simply be. To breathe and de-stress outside.

Photo by Guillaume de Germain on unsplash

I arrived at my mid-day meeting eager to catch a seat outside of the café and to be a listener, speaking only as was important. Even though the wind had picked up a bit, I knew I needed the sun and the stillness of nature rather than the bustling of the busy indoors. I listened to my body and sat outside. Still. Contemplative. Listening. Settling into the chair beneath me. Later that afternoon, I tried again to write the one, vitally important email that needed to be sent that day. Satisfied and drained, I completed it, turned off my computer and continued to be still. As still as possible while continuing to show up as a mom, a business owner, and a wife that evening. I know taking a day off or cutting the work day short seems like a luxury and that it’s not always possible or easy; however, I also know that if we don’t listen to our bodies and rest when we need rest, it will come back to bite.

It reminds me of an alarming statistic I came across when studying in grad school: According to a survey by Everest College, “83% of workers in the United States suffer from work-related stress.” As working adults, we spend the majority of our days at work or on work-related tasks. We are living in a state of sustained stress with increased cortisol and adrenaline pumping through our bodies - suppressing our immune system, digestive system and reproductive system. When working from a state of stress or depletion, your work is probably not the best it could be and could, perhaps, cause an issue down the line. By not resting, you continue to give from an empty vessel, depleting yourself more. This depletion can manifest as an illness, fatigue, burnout, overwhelm, anxiety or something else entirely. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but one thing is for certain, stress will stop you in your tracks and interfere with your life.

So, take that sick day, mental health day, personal day; Put up an away message and go sit in the sun. Days from now, and maybe even tomorrow, you will notice the benefit: the clearer mind, the sudden creative thought, the ambition and excitement, the energy, the ability to show up at work and in life ready and from a fuller cup, rather than a diminishing one.

Join me in listening to your body. In giving yourself space when you need it. Starting with the short work day, personal day or maybe a guided meditation from our virtual library. Today, say, “yes” to choosing you!

In health,
Lindsay Coward, MPH
Worksite Wellness Professional + Corporate Yoga Instructor

P.S. For tips on improving your everyday well-being and managing stress in your life, download our free Stress Less guide here.