Take a deep breath
Stop surviving. Start thriving.
Let's take a moment to slow down. Before we get into the actual tips, go ahead and take a deep inhale. Hold it for two seconds, and then slowly exhale. Inhale to a count of four. Hold for two. Exhale to a count of five. Close your eyes and repeat this a couple of times. When you're ready, open your eyes and let's get started.
Finding peace right where you are.
"Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart."
Right now, right where you are, notice the small things. Tune in to your senses. Notice something you can see, smell, touch, hear, and taste. Think of something you can be thankful for. Maybe it's the sun shiny day. Maybe it's your child's laughter. Maybe its that you have food in your pantry and a roof over your head. No matter where you are or how big your emotions feel in this moment, choosing to tune into the small things will help you gain a new perspective.
See below for more practical tips to use long term.
Nature
How much time do you spend in nature? Even if it's a short walk around your neighborhood, try to get outside today. Nature grounds us. We NEED time outside.
Caffeine
I know, I know. We all love our coffee. But did you know that caffeine can seriously affect your nervous system? That means your delicious latte is wreaking havoc on your adrenals. I'm not saying you have to give it up entirely. Try to cut back, though, and see if you feel a difference. Try an herbal tea if you just really want something hot to start your day with.
Nutrition
How is your diet? I believe we intuitively know how to eat, but we lost our way over time because we've all been exposed to the diet industry for so long. Take a moment to ask yourself what your body is asking for right now. Do you need more fruits and vegetables? Do you need more water? See my post about mindful eating for more guidance here.
Sleep
Are you getting enough sleep? Try starting a new bedtime routine. Start earlier in the evening. Set an alarm on your phone to remind you to dim the lights and turn the tv off/put the phone away. Take a warm bath with epsom salts and lavender essential oils. Light some candles, play some calming music, and read a peaceful book. I recommend taking a magnesium supplement such as Calm Magnesium to help calm the nervous system before bed.Try to do all of this about an hour before you plan to actually slide into bed.
Meditation
Think you can't focus enough to meditate? Remember just a few minutes ago, when you controlled your breathe? That was a form of meditation! So you've actually already done it today! You can focus on the breathe, or repeat your favorite bible verse/mantra for even one minute. It really doesn't have to be intimidating, and it really can have a major impact on your mood.
Connect
Reach out to a friend that you haven't talked to in a while. When you're stuck in a loop of anxiety talk to someone who loves you. Just hearing their voice may be all you need. Reach out. Tell them how you're feeling. You don't have to go through life alone.
Music
Music has the ability to totally change our mood. It can calm and soothe our hearts. It can motivate us. It can make us happy. Make a playlist of your favorite songs. You know, the ones that you used to say, "turn it UP!" when it came on the radio/Spotify? Make an entire playlist of those songs and crank it up for a mood change!
Move Your Body
We've all heard that exercise stimulates the release of happy endorphins, but sometimes the thought of doing it is just too much. Please just start somewhere. You don't have to go for a run, but at least walk to the mailbox. You don't have to go do hot yoga, but do some light stretching. You don't have to jump in all at once. Start small. Just start somewhere.
