Sometimes life feels extra noisy, overwhelming, and irritating.
You may be navigating multiple changes in various areas of your own life, while simultaneously feeling concerned for loved ones who are wrestling their way through their own transitions. No matter the unique specifics of your life, you are holding a lot! Conflicting and overlapping emotions, layers of escalating uncertainty, and a to-do list that never ends.
Add to that the regional, national, and global issues and events touching you and your loved ones – directly or indirectly – that create even more volume, more upheaval, and more unpredictability on top of everything else you are already managing in your personal life.
In times like these, it’s helpful to have several simple practices you can rely on to bring you back home to your own center.
- Focus on here and now. Bring your attention back to your own personal existence. Put a little more attention on the basics: breathing deeply, eating well, sleeping soundly, bathing, and moving your body. Several times a day, once an hour, or more frequently, take a moment to be mindful about your actions in these categories. Even if the world at large keeps calling you to engage, give yourself these little moments of being present with yourself. By taking in these nourishing moments, you are better able to be present for yourself and your loved ones.
- Rest If you are worn out, stop and give yourself some time to relax fully. Resolve some of your sleep deprivation, by finding a way to get some sleep: nap until you wake up, rest in your recliner, melt into your hammock, go to bed early, or sleep in late. If you just need to take down your stress and replenish your energy, curl up with a good book, a favorite movie, or an uplifting podcast. Sit on the porch or a cozy armchair to watch the sunrise, sunset, or night sky with a cup of tea. Even fifteen minutes of rest and replenishment can change how you interact with your life.
- Find pockets of beauty. Train yourself to spot beauty wherever it shows up in your life. Perhaps it’s a gorgeous pop of color that catches your eye or the delight of a beautiful design. You may be drawn to fashion, home décor, social media images, pets, architecture, flowers, or nature. When you see a stunning scene or image, give yourself the opportunity to take in the beauty and wonder that is right in front of you. By enjoying and savoring your discoveries, you’ll receive an instantaneous pop of joy that feeds your soul.
- Still your mind. Invite yourself to step away from the noise of the outer world and create a bubble of peace around you. Find a way to be around or in water – a bathtub, hot tub, a fountain, or natural body of water. Or spend time outside in an area with natural beauty – under a tree, on a walk, or in a lush garden. Listen to the ripples of water, bird songs, or calming music. Meditate in a quiet nook or engage in a walking meditation where you connect with the physical sensations of your experience. Finding the best ways to still your mind may take some trial and error. Don’t give up! When you find what settles you, you’ll be able to return to that practice time and time again.
- Experience something new. Feel more alive by expanding your horizons a bit. Notice what you feel drawn to, what you are craving, or what would feel nourishing to you. You might listen to a new podcast on a topic that intrigues you. Take a walk in a new area that gives you the opportunity to experience novel sights, surprises, and scenes. Sign up for a class that gives you a chance to immerse yourself in a new topic that delights you. Experiment with a new hobby or craft. Not to achieve perfection, but to express yourself!
Whenever you feel out of sorts, overwhelmed, confused, or emotions, coming home to yourself using these practices is the best way to recenter and find the solid ground beneath your feet.
Curate a collection of practices that feel natural and effective. Then return to them any time you feel the need to come home to yourself.
By soothing your nervous system, you’ll be stronger, more resilient, and better able to handle whatever is unfolding in your life.
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This Post is republished on Medium.
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Photo credit: iStock
