When challenging situations arise within the workplace, how do you handle it? When revenue is declining, employees are bickering, project timelines are behind, how do you approach getting things back on track? asks business coach Simone Milasas.

Many business owners and managers function from the point of view that solving problems is all about working harder, pushing more, demanding improvement of themselves and their employees forcefully. This point of view causes them to operate from a state of stress and anxiety, frantically trying to gain control, thinking that this will bring the greatest result. What if this is backward? What if the fastest way to achieve and create the business and productivity you desire is through the art of relaxation?

Contrary to what many would say, relaxation is not laziness, nor is it the opposite of work. Relaxation is an action. While it can include a warm bath, a walk on the beach or a massage, it is more than that. Relaxation is an energy that you actively choose to infuse in everything you do. It is the choice to be present with what is happening around you, which gives you more awareness and more clarity, which actually increases productivity.

Rather than judging relaxation, embrace it.

Here are 3 tips to get you started with relaxation

1. Explore

 A recent event has personally caused me to look at adding relaxation into my life more. As I was lying on the floor, unable to move, waiting for an ambulance to arrive due to a bulging disc in my spine, it was time to re-evaluate. Business is fun for me. Business is joyful. Being productive, waking up ready to take action and being ambitious are things in which I thrive. And, clearly my body was telling me that something else was required. My mentor, Gary Douglas, has been saying to me for years, “Simone, relax.” I got vulnerable, threw my hands up in the air and said, “I am not quite sure what that means but let’s explore it.”

When I was able to move about, I went for a walk on the beach across from my house for three days in a row and asked myself questions. “What is relaxation for me? What brings me joy? What would I like to create with my life and in my businesses?” I invite you to do the same. Ask and explore.

2. Stop judging you

How long does it take when you wake up in the morning for you to start judging you? Judging your business? Comparing yourself to others? Analysing if your success is enough? Judgement drowns out relaxation. What if, just for a day, you didn’t judge your business, your money, your employees, your body, your partner, or your family? If that sounds like a bit of a leap, here is something you can try.

Every time you notice a judgement, say to yourself, “Interesting point of view. I have that point of view.” Keep saying it until you feel yourself beginning to relax. Our points of view about anything create stress and tension in our bodies. When our points of view are simply interesting, we stop believing them as true, which allows us to let them go.

3. Spend time in nature

Your body naturally relaxes in nature, so take time away from your desk and/or computer. Listen to the space around you and be present. When you are in nature or a place that is peaceful to you. Oftentimes new ideas spark and solutions present themselves.

While it can seem counterintuitive to choose relaxation when there is much to do, relaxation creates the mental and emotional space that allows you to work faster, smarter, and with more ease. In relaxation you can hear what I call the whispers of the universe; others call intuition. When you are present with those whispers you have access to more choices which allows you to see possibilities you could not see before.

What if we called 2024 the year for more, with total relaxation?  What space can we be with our money, our business, our life and our actions?  Personally, I believe it’s time to flip the script, breath, and create a greater life and 2024 with the choices we make.

Happy leaning into possibilities for 2024!

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