If you asked me what are your top 3 tips to creating space to heal, it would be easy. And the truth is you already know these things.
It feels daunting when we’re over-informed and distracted in the hustle of life. How do we pause for a moment and nurture ourselves? Often, we’re overcommitted to the to-dos and feeling more like the proverbial hamster on a wheel versus the person we love, know and have been created to be. Any semblance of peace and wellness have been sent to the back of the line because the list, the passion, the responsibilities always precede it.
Our mental, physical and emotional wellness completely hinge on our ability to prioritize those aspects of us that need to be nourished everyday. It is a complete act of self-love, which thankfully, doesn’t require much.
Pen to paper. Every evening, write down all of your worries, responsibilities, your top three tasks you need to complete the next day, and anything else on your mind. A mental purge allows for space and clarity. Knowing that it’s safe on paper versus committed to memory, reduces anxiety and stress with remembering it all.
Breathe. Stress and overwhelm locks our breath in the upper diaphragm, leading to shallow breathing. Deep breathing floods our cells with oxygen melting away the fight or flight state and ushers forth presence to the moment. Choose a word like peace and then insert it in a breath cycle. An inhale through your nose to the count of five, holding it for a moment with your chosen word, and exhale for a count of five will activate the body’s parasympathetic state, allowing you to decompress. Repeat three times. Give yourself permission to pause and reflect.
Play. As a reminder that I am childlike, I have a photograph of myself as a little girl in my office. The photograph reminds me to speak gently to myself. I loved to play outside, choreograph dances and read. All of those things that lit me up, I honor and incorporate into my life. We are all creative. Whatever the medium of expression, honor the qualities that are unique to you and use it as a self of expression. Finding space to play, express and be present within yourself allows for the creative to speak through you.
What are some things you love to do that you can easily incorporate into you life to create more peace and joy – they are part of your healing, too!
