Meditation and the science of weekend recovery

By Elinor Svoboda | December 1, 2022

Everyone needs a day or two to unwind in a week, but how we spend that time might be more important that we realize. A recent article in Psychology today looks at the science behind Weekend Recovery and how we can use it to make a more sustainable work-life balance.

With 3 in 5 American workers experiencing work-related stress and burnout, the need for effective recovery can’t be understated. Living in a cycle of stress can lead to long term mental, emotional and physical issues. Weekends are key to breaking this cycle and new research shows that how we recover may not look the same for everyone.

Author Jeffrey Davis M.A. describes “Complimentary Recovery” as a key way to make your weekends work for you. Through this process he suggests looking at the specific demands that are placed on you during the week and finding weekend activities that can provide a complimentary balance.

For example, if you work in a creative field or are bound to a computer, physical work or play might be especially rejuvenating. Conversely, if you have a physically demanding job, creative or intellectual pursuits might be the balancing point you need. The idea behind these studies is to look for a counterpoint that offers relief to the demands of your work.

While the role of meditation is not discussed in this article, there is empirical scientific evidence that it can contribute to decreasing stress and potential burnout. Even 10-15 minutes a day can bring more calm and peace into your body and mind. Meditation can also provide Complimentary Recovery to support the demands of your work life. Here are a few ideas:

You work in a helping field: Does your work involve serving others? Are you a front line worker? Teacher? Therapist? Parent? Being available to others all week long can be draining no matter how good your boundaries are. Meditation helps you to build an inner world, a place to fill up your personal battery so you are charged to help others.

You live on one side of your brain all week: Is your work hyper-focused? Do you work with Technology? Data? Finances? Meditation is a great way to get out of the linear mindset and into a feeling base modality. This can offer new ways of thinking and seeing the world, which can feel great and reduce stress.

Interpersonal challenges at work: Unless you work alone, this can show up in any field! Humans are social animals and yet, we are all unique personality types that can bring a variety of dynamics to the table. You can’t always control who you work with, but you can control how you work with them. Meditation is an amazing way to reflect on your own behaviour and move out of a state of a reaction towards one of active choice. Connecting to a place of love and peace in meditation can give us the leverage we need to understand our own behaviours and make choices that will lead us to a healthier dynamic.

Work-life balance is essential if we want to have a sustainable, healthy lifestyle. Consider how you can practice Complimentary Recovery through your weekend activities and integrating meditation to enhance your sense of peace, wellness and imagination.

Join us for free weekly meditations and workshops with our Meetup Community

Looking for a meditation system? Check out our foundational course Level 1

Posted in creativity, Meditation, Wellness and tagged burnout, meditation, recovery, stress, work-life balance

Level 1 is the beginning step to taking back your life

“I wish that Level 1 was required to graduate from high school. But for now it’s the kind of course that each person must to decide to do. My wish is that everyone will choose to raise themselves to their full potential. And Level 1 is the beginning step to taking back your life.”

-M.K. Redmond WA

It was really circumstance that brought me to the Training – a friend was doing it and I didn’t want to be left out.

“And so my Journey began … Right from Level 1, I felt my family’s belief systems that had held me hostage for so long, begin to dissipate. I found a passion and love for life that has transformed not only my life but my children’s as well. I feel I’m a better person and a healthier parent. I’m excited about life in a way I could never have imagined.

This may not be what Spirituality means to others, but for me, taking Level I was the start of my true spiritual journey. This work has changed my life in every way. As a teacher of this work, I can share it with others, to perhaps create a happier world where we stop terrorizing ourselves and connect to the goodness within us all.”

E.S. – VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA

If I had to narrow it down to one thing that I have received

“If I had to narrow it down to one thing that I have received from undertaking courses with Faye Fitzgerald and the Training in Power Academy, I would say that the deep sense of self-esteem and understanding of my unique contribution to the world is what stands out in my mind.”

B.F. – VANCOUVER ISLAND, BRITISH COLUMBIA

I was a psychic child

“I was a psychic child and learned to read palms when I was 11 years old and from there to astrology, numerology, tarot, back to palms. People avoided me they were afraid I would know too much about them. I avoided people as I did not want to know. Since taking Level I (in Abbotsford), I am now able to work and fit into mainstream society. I got on my own team!

The work is difficult, it takes focus and courage and the payback is incredible! I have learned to look to myself for answers, rather than to the exterior. I no longer blame others for my challenges in life. Mostly I’ve become aware of the rewards of being in service to myself first and others second. Life is rich.”

M.D. – ABBOTSFORD, BRITISH COLUMBIA