ReRooted - A Research Backed Paradigm for Change - Part 1
As a health coach and a life coach, I spend a lot of time working with my clients on new habits.
What I notice though, is that perfection is expected in changing their habits. People expect that when they want to do something new it will just happen and if it doesn't, then they’re the problem. If it doesn’t work out, they’re a failure.
Can you relate to this?
Here’s the thing: You aren’t the problem. You’re not a failure.
You’re just trying to do something based on what’s worked for someone else.
What happens if you try to do something based on what works for you?
The more I’ve studied habit change and the phases that someone can go through when they’re ready to change, the more I realize that something’s been missing: rest, connection and renewal.
Introducing: rerooted // my research backed paradigm for habit change.
What can happen if you allow phases of change, if you allow yourself to be supported by others, if you allow rest?
In the same way that life can be messy and progress can be messy, so too can habit change.
Let’s embrace the fact that habit change is messy, let’s allow phases of change, and see what happens, yeah?
Phase one of ReRooted, a new paradigm for change: rest.
Research shows the importance of rest and yet in our capitalistic, patriarchal culture, rest is not celebrated. I get it. Stick with me…
Think of this phase like winter time. It's so dark, we want to put on layers and stay inside and we don't feel motivated to get out there and do much of anything.
This is like the first trimester of pregnancy where mom feels like total crap most of the time, but in reality they’re building bones and muscles. So while it doesn't look like much is happening on the surface, under the surface, an entire human is being built.
In other words, this first phase is a time for rest and reflection.
Our culture celebrates productivity and crossing things off of a list and so we think that if we aren't crossing something off of a list that we aren't productive.
But what if that's not the point?
Take this research study from the University of California, San Francisco, that highlights the transformative power of deep rest. The study suggests that engaging in practices that promote deep rest—such as meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature—can counteract the detrimental effects of chronic stress. And you don’t need me to tell you that you know what chronic stress feels like.
Or check out this study highlighted by News-Medical that shows how important rest is in learning new skills. The study found that improvements in performance weren’t just doing the actual thing but that improvements also occurred during rest periods.
Finally, there’s a study in International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being that explored rest from our lived experiences. It found that rest allowed people to engage in activities with a sense of pleasure in a way that contributes to their overall wellbeing.
Are you with me on the importance of rest? Great, let’s keep going.
Here are four steps to take in the Rest stage of ReRooted when you're trying to bring a new habit or change into your life:
Reflect on why you want this change in your life. Is it because you think you ‘should’ do it or is it something that’s actually calling to you? Make sure you’re clear on the purpose of this new thing.
Don't expect any action right now. Allow yourself to go about the next few days just building awareness around what this change could potentially do for your life.
Reflect on what is & what’s not currently working in your life to support this change. What is currently working for you and what might be getting in the way? Again, there doesn’t need to be action (yet) but just a deeper understanding of where you are right now.
Allow yourself to be open to new possibilities, to receive information or insights around this change. With the awareness you’re building, you might start to notice more things you’re already doing well, for example, or have a new idea on how you want to incorporate this change.
Bonus idea: Use the natural cycles already available to you. If you’re a menstruating human, do this rest and reflection when you first start your bleed. Or for anyone not menstruating, do this with the next new moon. Don’t let this stop you from getting started, but consider that leaning into it can support you.
More to come on all of this including phases two through four!
How does this first phase feel for you? Let me know what stands out the most.
Hey, I’m Caitlin! I’m a certified health coach and life coach and I’m here to bring sustainable change into your day so that you have the time and energy you need for the things that matter most.
Want more support? Check out my other posts, learn more about coaching here or book a call with me here. You can always sign up for my newsletter, below, to receive these posts straight to your inbox, too!
