Achieve More by Doing Less

Those hazy, lazy days of summer - weather permitting - are ideal times for doing nothing, either on a holiday or during the weekend. And yet, for all too many of us, we are so used to absorbing information, working against the clock, commuting and just dealing with life that we are unable to totally unwind or relax, even when on holiday.

The good news is that relaxation is a skill that can be learned just like any other. It is more than a skill; it is a natural state. This is why we are called human beings instead of human doings. Many of my clients initially contact me with a feeling that "life should be better than this." During their very first coaching session, it transpires that their life could indeed be better. These same clients are surprised when I suggest that they could achieve more by doing less.

If you constantly keep a muscle under tension or strain, it will ache and eventually fail. It needs periods of rest to remain in good working order. This holds true for your entire being - your mind, body and spirit. You must take time out to relax.

Relaxation does not mean lazing on a settee watching television. In fact, this can be the exact opposite of relaxation, especially if the programmes are full of bad news, violence or crime. My approach to helping clients relax is to show them how to switch off completely, how to do nothing except enjoy their "now" moments and how to let go of the many thoughts that may intrude.

Many people are amazed how easy this is. They are even more surprised when they discover how their energy levels are higher after proper relaxation. Daily meditation is a great way of ensuring this relaxation, and there are some very simple and enjoyable techniques that you can use at any time to take to take the edge off your day and put things in perspective.