Social Connections
Ever wonder how it is we are all so connected and yet so disconnected from each other IRL ? As human beings , we are wired for connection . Whether it ’ s spending time with family , going to church , playing sports , participating in a class , or my favorite , simply talking to a friend , do not underestimate the therapeutic effects of human connection .
Nature
This doesn ’ t have to mean taking the weekend off to take a majestic hike ( although that ’ s amazing if you can !). This just means spending time outdoors . Appreciating nature is a powerful stress buster .
Meditation
Here ’ s a big one ! Learning to calm and focus the mind . The most important thing to know is that meditation is not just for those who are looking for a deep spiritual practice . A meditation practice can be just that … practical ! My favorite app is Ten Percent Happier . Just a few minutes a day ( about ten of them ) can be all the time it takes . There are several good apps like Calm and Headspace . It ’ s important to find something that suits your unique style . I have a Type A personality . I ’ m always on the move and always busy . Ten Percent Happier is perfect for me ! The key point is that you don ’ t need to dive deep into a yoga practice to incorporate meditation in your life . There are simple ways to practice meditation that can suit any busy lifestyle .
Eat healthy , be healthy !
Find something that works for you regularly . So , whether it ’ s gardening or walking on the beach , be sure it ’ s something you can do on a regular basis . My favorite ? Walking my dog !
Talk about multitasking … I get exercise , sunlight , nature , and joy !!! Every dog lover reading this knows a wagging tail is sure to put a smile in your heart .
Physical Relaxation
We can learn to induce a more relaxed , calm , physical state just by being aware of our own breath . The simplest and fastest way to power down our physiology is to simply breathe . You are just a couple of deep breaths away from a more relaxed state . While there are many breathing techniques you can use , just taking a couple of deep breaths works ! If you would like to explore more here , I like the app Breathwrk ( not a typo ).
There are simple ways to practice meditation that can suit any busy lifestyle .
Nutrition
Eat healthy , be healthy ! Eating a healthy well-balanced diet best prepares your body nutritionally to withstand the negative effects of stress . Concentrate on lower carbs and natural foods with an emphasis on plenty of colorful vegetables and fruit ! Equally as important is staying away from sugar .