This Week's Little Life Notes From Me to You
Back in Ontario again!. I’m excited because the week starts with another party as I go to the waterfront to canoe, swim and have dinner with new friends and business associates. I’ve been catching up in the garden- lots to do after time away. Today I’m planning the week and breaking things down to the smallest possible tasks as I know it’s hard to get back to work after vacation. I’ve even been known to put “turn on computer” first on the list! I’m taking my own best advice as you’ll see when you read the next section.
Understand the Cycle of Motivation, Reward, and Rest for more Joy and better Productivity
by Francie Adamson
In a world filled with demands and opportunities, understanding the cycle of motivation, reward, and rest can be your key to a fulfilled life. Let’s unravel the captivating cycle that drives your actions, emotions, and well-being.
Stress is a motivator, it increases adrenaline giving you your “get up and go”. You have two systems one which energizes you for ‘battle’ or and one eases you into ‘rest and renew’, and both these states of being are necessary to living your life.
When my kids were younger, planning a trip away from home was a nightmare and I always got completely frazzled in the process.
One time, I spent 2 hours sorting out the best and least expensive options on the phone with the airline points booking agent and waiting on hold. Just when I was almost done my kids got bored and came in and started jumping on the bed, spilling my full glass of water all over it. I was fully primed with stress and when I hung up, they got an earful!
Now that I understand what happens to my body hormonally on a daily basis it’s easy to prevent these blowouts.
Here’s what happens- the excitement of anticipating the vacation is wonderful, your body floods with feelings of happiness. These energy boosting and reward hormones and endorphins take time to be replenished, and that leaves you in a deficit to tackle the job of planning and booking a flight.
This is because the first hit of adrenalin and endorphins is the strongest, the next time you trigger them that day, they’re half that strength, the next time half of that and so on- that's why by the end of the day you run out of steam.
Now I never tackle booking a flight, calling the tax office, or any of the frustrating tasks involving telephone answering systems at any time of the day except 9 AM. My nervous system just can’t handle the frustration!
Scheduling challenging tasks in the morning when motivation (adrenaline) is at its peak is a practical strategy. Completing these tasks during this time can provide a sense of accomplishment and a stronger boost from the body's reward system..
You’ve probably also experienced the emotional crash after that big vacation or exciting event. Your hormones can take longer to replenish when you get more excited than usual, I find that knowing this makes the energy and mood dip easier to handle.
Here’s the kicker- when motivation and reward diminish you can be tempted to get a quick fix, reaching for sugary or salty foods or other addictive substances to stimulate and reward yourself. However, these short-term solutions can lead to long-term misery if they conflict with your health and happiness.
For optimum productivity and happiness in your life it’s important to take time to rest and renew. You need time every day and after each achievement to rebuild hormone levels so the natural cycle can reset and start over.
As you embark on this journey of understanding the harmonious cycle of motivation, reward, and renewal, remember that you hold the key to a life enriched with purpose and joy. By acknowledging the ebbs and flows of your inner rhythms, you're poised to embark on a path of sustained well-being, creating a legacy of vitality and fulfillment.
Cool Resource for Ultimate Happiness
Harnessing the Cycle for Success: Equip yourself for success with this easy tool for building rest and renewal into your life to fuel your aspirations and savor the sweet fruits of accomplishment.
- Grab a pen and paper and make a list of 5 different ways to rest and renew to choose from. Do not link them to completion of tasks or goals- put them in for a specific time instead.
Here’s a couple hints to help you get started- non-thinking activities have a big impact; how can you let your brain drift?
And pleasant interactions with others play a role in rest and renew- who and what stimulates loving feelings for you?
- Find a way to remind yourself to celebrate your achievements through the day- even small ones! Try a happy dance or high five with someone.
Then send me the list to share! If you do, I’ll be sure to share your happiness resets in my channels.
Finally, if yoga came to mind as a rest and renew activity, you’re right! In a yoga program you’ll learn fast and easy ways to recharge your body and mind to keep the hormone cycle flowing.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Solo Art Show at Transac in Toronto
I'm excited to announce that my art will be on display this September at Tranzac, 292 Brunswick Avenue, Toronto ON M5S 2M7. (Near Bloor and Bathurst) There will be a 'Meet the Artist' Event September 24 from 12 pm to 2 pm. I hope you'll save the date and come by for a visit and view the artwork. All the paintings will be available for purchase at anytime through the month. I'll also put up a facebook page for you to see the paintings online- keep your eyes open for that link in the following weeks.
CONNECT WITH ME
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frances.adamson.9
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francie-adamson-1686a41a/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joycoreconnection/
Blog: https://joycore.ca/yoga-wellness-blog/
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