I’ve just spent almost two weeks “back home” in the UK not thinking about my business at all. I wasn’t on holiday either. I was there to check in on and help out my parents who are experiencing various difficulties. And I confess I’m still feeling distracted and disconnected from my work.

Christmas 2013 with my husband, my parents and my son, when we visited the UK under happier circumstances.

Things like this happen. As a solo entrepreneur I am lucky to have flexibility in, and ownership of, my schedule. The downside is, when I am not working in or on my business, I’m also not making any money….

While I’m grateful that I was able to take time of spend with my parents, I found it virtually impossible to have time for anything else while I was there, except for a few much-needed short visits (a walk, a cup of tea, one lovely lunch) with some of my oldest and dearest friends.

I did, however, have my own secret weapon to help me cope and not be in pure reaction mode – the Alexander Technique, which is the basis of my work. Recently I have written about how useful the skills of the Technique are in terms of managing the stress of running a business. Well, they are also invaluable to me in the handling of a very much more personal stress.

Not succumbing to the “Posture of Overwhelm” (think fight, flight, or freeze) meant I was, for the most part (I am human after all!), able to remain open and relatively calm. I was able to look after myself in the moment, and despite everything going on, was also able to prioritize finding a few minutes of “me-time” each day for Constructive Rest and other self care routines I find helpful, like a daily walk.

I believe this helped ensure I had the energy to meet the emotional and physical demands on me while I was there. Looking after myself helped me be better able to look after Mum and Dad.

Alexander Technique helps you have a resilience in the face of adversity, and I will be forever grateful to my mother for suggesting I try it out many sixteen years ago. Who knew it would take my life in a new direction, leading to having my own business, and eventually also to helping me take care of her.

Some people have called the Alexander Technique “a skill for life.” I totally agree. It helps me function better, no matter what life throws at me.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. You can leave a comment in the space at the bottom of the page.