Let's bring the beat down and talk real. We all work too much. Grindn'. Obsessed with productivity. Too much chaos in the mind. We all need to free up some mental real estate. It's so easy to get our minds stuck in patterns and grooves that are unhealthy.
Scientists say its a good idea to give our brains a TRUE rest at least 10-15 minutes each day- that means total rest- (NOT scrolling through our phones or reading a blog like this!) Those are stimulating activities for the brain, not restful ones.
Connecting the mind, body and spirit is not always an easy or natural thing. Our culture screams at us constantly, distracting us from the most important things. If we are not careful, all our precious energy has been spent on things that will one day not even matter. Our energy is a resource, just like time and money. It matters what we do with it.
When I'm overwhelmed and begin to feel out of balance, the first thing I do is dial down and spend time with my Creator. His presence deafens the noise and brings me back to baseline.
But here are some external these things that help to create space in my head:
1) Take your shoes off. It's called EARTH GROUNDING, and it's actually a thing. Turns out we NEED those missing electrons the earth can give us. Try it- let your skin have uninterrupted contact with the earth's elements (ok, not fire!). But sand, soil and water can help balance our bodies' natural electricity. Ever wonder why everyone is relaxed at the beach?
2) Limit screen time an hour before bed, and refrain from it for an hour after waking up. The mirage of virtual images and information can fatigue our brains. There IS such a thing as information pollution, and even sound pollution. Brain boundaries- especially at in this time in history- are a good idea.
3) Tell your face to smile. Give a little chuckle. It will feel fake at first, but laughter releases endorphins to our bodies and takes the stress off. Over time this becomes natural and can bring an immediate rest to a weary mind.
4) Practice mindfulness. Don't just notice the bark on the tree. Stop and study it's intricacies. Marvel at it's design. Bend over and pick up the leaf that caught your attention. Feel it. Chew that delicious bite many times, and savor the flavors before picking up the fork for another. Be like a child again- we were all happier then- we just grew up too fast and got way too serious.
5) Choose activities that support your TRUE SELF. Listen to that inner voice. Create- whatever that looks like for you. Find what gives you rest and energy... then DO it.
What do YOU do to connect and create balance?