TOO MUCH!!
This past week I overwhelmed myself with information - COVID, vaccines, whether we will begin releasing the lockdown, where a mask or be fined $1000, the deep state, all the things.
In an effort to *seek to understand* I watched the videos, interviews, documentaries (Out of the Shadows - wow, informative), read the articles, followed the links. I gobbled it up. My inbox, YouTube, Facebook, all the outlets.
For a sensitive soul (aka an empath), like myself, it can be too much. It was too much.
I needed help!
As a Wellness Coach and bodyworker, I have a trusty Mary Poppins size medicine bag filled with antidotes to heal, restore and realign mind, body and energy.
If you are experiencing similar stress triggers give these self-care tools and strategies a try:
Mind-diet
What are you feeding your mind?
Give yourself a break from consumption to allow for processing, sorting and reflection. Either enjoy silence or play music without words to give your brain some much needed rest.
Meditation restores my sanity. Every. Single. Time.
Move your body
Do you have a daily movement practice that helps you live with more ease?
Your body is your temple. Do you feel at home in your body?
Movement is medicine. Connect with your body - walk, dance, yoga, Qigong.
Move your bones. Then foam roll and roll your feet with a firm ball. My favorite are the YogaTuneUp therapy balls.
Here’s a challenge for you: Skip; and notice that moving your body by skipping brings an instant smile to your face. It’s one of the fastest way to change your state of mind.
Drink purified water
Do you want to feel better and look younger? Um, yeah!
Hydration is key to optimal health and helps your body regulate stress. Drink half your body weight in ounces of purified water. Add some slices of fruit or fresh herbs.
Eat your veggies
How are you nourishing your body?
Did you know 40% of stress is caused by what we eat! More farmacy, less pharmacy. It’s the perfect time of year to grow your own organic produce. Try my breakfast salad recipe.
Good Morning Sunshine Breakfast Salad
2 heaping handfuls of sunflower micro greens (or salad greens)
1 large orange, chopped into wedges
1/2 avocado, finely cubed
Himalayan salt and fresh cracked black pepper
Toss to coat the greens. Enjoy! Pairs beautifully with hot water with fresh squeezed lemon.
Play in the dirt
When was the last time you simply played outside?
Get outside! Fresh air, sunshine, dirt - medicine for your body and your soul. Grow some flowers or herbs. Place your feet directly on the ground (Earthing).
Release pent up stress
Are you feeling more tension in your body? Suffering from insomnia? Feeling off? Low energy?
You need to flip the stress switch to the OFF position.
The two fastest ways to self-soothe are restorative breathing and shaking.
Restorative breathing - inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth. Slowly. Let your belly rise and fall.
Shaking - keep your feet on the ground and let your knees bend as you “bounce” shake your arms and take long, deep slow breaths. Shake off your stress like an animal.
Ask for help
Is this one as difficult for you as it is for me?
It’s last on my list for a reason! Ugh! Vulnerability takes courage; and it gifts me connection. Worth it!
Prayer is my go-to way of seeking wisdom and direction. Then I reach out to my inner circle to feel the love and support that I need.
The key to this step is to follow it up with giving thanks. I journal and speak out loud to myself about all the ways I am loved and supported. I remind myself, “everything is always working out for me.”
This is my tried-and-true method for shifting my mood and realigning my heart and mind. There are many, many methods to nourish your body and mind. Find what works for you.
What are your tried-and-true methods? Drop me an email. I'd love to hear about your self-care routine.