Episode 265: The Subtle Oppression of Relentless Self-Improvement
Join Kelli and Erica as they chat about the subtle oppression of relentless self-improvement. Spoiler alert: Sometimes less is more when it comes to self-growth and healing!
To tune into the episode, listen on iTunes or Spotify.
Show Notes
Kelli and Erica chat about a quote from Corey Muscara, a meditation teacher, former monk, and instructor of positive psychology at UPenn: “sometimes you just need to stare out of a window and do nothing. Don’t meditate. Don’t problem solve. Don’t even try to relax. Just let yourself be without the subtle oppression of relentless self-improvement.”
We have internal and external expectations to work 40 hours a week, be an engaged parent, exercise, meditate, make healthy meals, volunteer in our community, get outside, etc. This is just too much for one person!
Dr. Sarah Woodhouse said it well, when we’re feeling tapped, overwhelmed, triggered, etc. one of the best things we can do is SIMPLIFY.
It’s ok to give yourself permission, you don’t need anyone else to give you permission, to slow down, simplify, and play or engage in an activity for the sake of doing it, not because it meets some self-improvement end goal.
There is so much value in unstructured time and play too. Play includes anything you do recreationally that brings you joy or excitement, whether it’s a video game, sports, writing short stories, woobling, collecting stamps, etc.
Research shows that play has lots of benefits, like boosting overall well-being and life satisfaction, helping us cope with stress, and improving our physical health.
It’s a nice reminder that we don’t have to constantly be “working” on ourselves or toward a goal to grow and change. By just being we’re taking care of ourselves and our mental and physical health and well-being too. Play is self-care.
