I was recently reminded of my most vivid and emotionally charged memories of my mom and dad. All involved sensory experiences allowing my developing brain to be fully present, mindful, deeply connected, and hàppy.
I recently spent a week in The Maldives, and the timing for relaxation was all WRONG: Work commitments, and my dog all alone at home with a bandaged paw, cone, and cancer(! )It felt like yet another thing to be crammed into the already mad year-end-madness. But… Never underestimate the power of your environment in calming you rìght down, albeit…
Two of the three stress structures in the brain, are also sensory structures. So if we get creative around combining bottom-up sensory activities with top-down cognitive behavioural practices, we CAN effectively and scientifically get down to the business of stress management.
Sensory profiling of employees can assist in 3 ways to future proof your organization: supporting the remote worker, planning for hybrid work options, and scientifically redesigning the office space.
In utero we are hardly more than a bundle of cells before we get equipped with the vast and very enjoyable sense of touch. When researching embryology as a sensory enthusiast, it becomes clear that the very same cells which develop into our brain (neuro ectoderm) split off into surface ectoderm to cover our bodies – the skin and the brain has the exact same origin! (MacCord, K . 2013) If we wish to organize and calm the brain, we need look no further than skin deep.
Big business appears concerned; over profit margins, productivity, reluctance to return to office buildings, and perceived loss of control concerning human capital.
All the research articles on work from home, have me shouting from the rooftops about one of the most accurate predictors of human behavior, your sensory profile. Our sensory profile refers to how we process the environment, and considering covid19, it is a crucial and undeniable element to when discussing the future of work.
Everything that enters your brain does so through the senses. Everything you’ve ever learnt, happened through the senses.
Our emotions are in response to sensory messages, and almost all our behaviour patterns are aimed at achieving sensory comfort. Why then, NOT bother with the senses?
“Is there something to be learnt from grief? If it is within our power to change the story around grief suffered, shouldn’t we do so?
Being smart, deliberate, and holistic around self-care may be our only hope during this grief-filled pandemic.
What a devastating year. With twists and turns, grieving and loss, countless curveballs. And wine.