Are you tired? Or are you tired of something?
There is a big difference.
Tired is that natural, physical sensation. A combination of signals from your body that you need rest. It commonly shows up as:
Yawning
Difficulty keeping your eyes open
Muscle weakness
Sore muscles
Slow reflexes
Zoning out, losing focus
Irritability
That is tired.
When you are tired “of something”, it can also affect you physically. But the real impact goes deeper.
What are you tired of?
Not having enough time to get things done each day
Working from home
Loud housemates
The pandemic
Managing your kids attending school online
Teaching online
Zoom calls
Politics
The cold weather
The list could go on.
Take a moment and pinpoint something you are “tired of”.
When you think about this “something”, what do you notice in your mind, body and emotions?
Do you have thoughts of: “this is so hard”, “I can’t do this any longer”, “this will never change”, “he/she is always …”.
Does it feel like a weight on your shoulders? Do you notice a physical tightening in your muscles (ex: jaw, neck, shoulders, abdomen)? Do you lose your appetite?
Does it leave you feeling unmotivated? Hopeless? Resentful? Stuck?
Although your “something” may continue, your response to it can change. Your reaction is what you do have control over!
By getting in tune with your thoughts, physical reactions and emotions, you strengthen your mind-body connection and unlock direct access to immediate relief.
Follow these three tips:
Reframe your thoughts: “I am becoming more creative in how I get my work done.”
Listen to your body: “My tight shoulders are a reminder I need to take a break.”
Connect to your emotions: “When resentful feelings arise, it tells me I am not getting something I need.”
The next time you tune into that “something” you are tired of, follow these three steps to reframe your thoughts, accept the wisdom of your body and take control of how you choose to respond.
Cheri Timmons is a Greensboro Downtown Parks program partner. The work she does with us is critical to providing FREE wellness programming to our park community. As we make our way through these unprecedented times, consider how you might support local Greensboro non-profits like us, as well as local businesses, artists, entrepreneurs like Cheri, makers, and more. We'll continue to bring you free programming through our digital platforms and look forward to having you join us and Cheri back in the parks soon!