I was a workaholic. I either had 4 part time jobs at once or one full time job and I put in twice the hours. When I retired I think my subconscious was expecting a break, but instead I amped up. Finally a chance to work on my 20 acres, which I did everyday and every evening. Neighbors called me "Never Stop." I thought I was happy but I was pushing my nervous system to the point where I had a trigger event which exploded into chronic pain. I have learned. I have let go. I stop. No more full throttle.
So glad you've progressed so much in your journey Jim! I think being a workaholic may have been a distraction for you - your brain wanting to escape from troubling emotion OR a way for you to 'show' the world how productive and skilful you can be (we all have this ego-dominated aspect to a certain extent). Naturally, not having 4 part time jobs anymore caused your brain to feel unsafe, because it could no longer revert to that distraction... that's kind of a recipe for chronic pain. Now you're aware and you know how to turn off the heat ;-)
How do you stop or mitigate getting symptoms during a sleep cycle. I can feel my body warming up, and bam I wake up fatigued and with sore muscles. Do you know of a strategy to stop this or minimize it.
This pattern happens unconsciously so you probably require an 'indirect' strategy. I would suggest reducing your overall life pressures, and journaling about anything that seems to be on mind and that's causing you anxiety and tension. Besides that, make friends with your body and make sure you have a good sleep routine that allows you to unwind before bed. It takes some time for the brain to 'get it' that you're safe so don't expect immediate results, or else that expectation in itself will cause you more stress and tension.
I was a workaholic. I either had 4 part time jobs at once or one full time job and I put in twice the hours. When I retired I think my subconscious was expecting a break, but instead I amped up. Finally a chance to work on my 20 acres, which I did everyday and every evening. Neighbors called me "Never Stop." I thought I was happy but I was pushing my nervous system to the point where I had a trigger event which exploded into chronic pain. I have learned. I have let go. I stop. No more full throttle.
So glad you've progressed so much in your journey Jim! I think being a workaholic may have been a distraction for you - your brain wanting to escape from troubling emotion OR a way for you to 'show' the world how productive and skilful you can be (we all have this ego-dominated aspect to a certain extent). Naturally, not having 4 part time jobs anymore caused your brain to feel unsafe, because it could no longer revert to that distraction... that's kind of a recipe for chronic pain. Now you're aware and you know how to turn off the heat ;-)
Effective imagery to teach a complicated subject. Thank you!
Love it!!
Makes it sound more doable!
Thanks, yes I think simplicity is key really ;-)
How do you stop or mitigate getting symptoms during a sleep cycle. I can feel my body warming up, and bam I wake up fatigued and with sore muscles. Do you know of a strategy to stop this or minimize it.
This pattern happens unconsciously so you probably require an 'indirect' strategy. I would suggest reducing your overall life pressures, and journaling about anything that seems to be on mind and that's causing you anxiety and tension. Besides that, make friends with your body and make sure you have a good sleep routine that allows you to unwind before bed. It takes some time for the brain to 'get it' that you're safe so don't expect immediate results, or else that expectation in itself will cause you more stress and tension.