Episode 7: Pause

This week on The Living Experiment, we’re celebrating power of the pause — the importance of taking regular breaks, and the rewards of getting into agreement with our bodies’ natural energy-production and repair cycles. We reveal the biological necessity and scientific importance of ultradian rhythms —the regular fluctuations between output and recovery that allow our bodies to maintain optimal energy, focus and vitality. And we offer practical guidance on recognizing your body’s “need a break” signals, and building more brief, health-supporting pauses into your day.  Whether you want to improve your energy, metabolism, hormonal balance and mood, minimize stress and inflammatory conditions, or just want to get more good stuff done during the course of the day, ultradian rhythm breaks are your best friend. Here’s how to make the most of them…

Episode Highlights:

• Why trying to be consistently productive all day long doesn't work (3:00)
• Circadian and ultradian rhythms in the body and why they matter (6:30)
• Why managing time is less effective than managing energy (11:00)
• “You need to have a valley to have the next peak” - the rules of the ultradian healing response (12:00)
• The scientific research behind ultradian rhythms (13:00)
• How to know when you need a break, and the wide range of break options (15:00)
• How our go-go-go corporate culture undermines productivity and creativity (22:05)
• The relationship between ultradian rhythms and key health factors (26:00)
• How taking regular breaks can reduce emotional reactivity and improve willpower (27:30)
• Simple ways to pause during the day (30:20)
• Key takeaways (42:10)
• Experiments for the week (44:00)

Weekly Experiments:

Dallas suggests: Drink a glass of water each time you take a break. 

• Set an alarm if you need initial reminders to break; effects of good hydration will encourage subsequent breaks.

Pilar suggests: Book two 15-minute interval breaks to check in on your body. 

• Aim for one mid-morning and one mid-afternoon break every day for a week. Start by noticing how you’re feeling; bonus points for then taking the break your body wants.

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Each week we offer you a few life-shifting experiments to try on your own. We'd love to hear how they turn out, and what insights they provoke! Connect with The Living Experiment on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and share your stories with us there.

Resources:

• Check out the ultradian rhythm chart at Pilar's blog (pilargerasimo.com) to see how your energy rises and falls throughout the day.
• Visit The Energy Project blog for more information on managing energy to improve productivity.
• Can't turn out all the lights? Consider getting some blue blocking glasses.
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