What do you do to keep yourself centred?
We are often affected by changes that happen around us. Life, like wellbeing, is dynamic. Everything is in a constant state of flux. External influences create an impression on us. How we respond can have a significant impact on our mental and physical wellbeing.
I feel affected by what is happening in the world today – and I am pretty sure I am not alone in that. Like many, I sometimes feel constricted and I notice that my mood can be impacted by outside impressions. In order for me to maintain a sense of equilibrium, I have to make a conscious effort to centre myself. I am fortunate to live near bush where I can walk. This helps me find space, breath in fresh air and connect with the environment around me.
What do you do to keep yourself centred?
Finding ways to connect with ourselves, people we love and those who share similar philosophies, as well as being outside in the natural environment are great ways to restore our energy and re-centre from the impact of external forces. In today’s world we all need a survival kit.
The more recharge time we are able to give ourselves, the more we have to support others. The more we can refine our toolkit of awareness – the easier it is for us to take a few minutes out from the chaos, centre ourselves and get back on track. The greater variety of tools we have to help us respond to life’s challenges the better. We are all unique and react to situations differently. We need to develop personal wellness tools that increase awareness of our own behavioural patterns.
You will remember that last month – I invited you to do one thing a day that you love.
How is that going? Are you ready to expand on that?
For December – I invite you to incorporate 3 self-care practices into your daily routine.
- Find a notebook and start writing a few words each day about things you love and enjoy, moments that you are grateful for.
- Take time to lie down and practice conscious breathing for 5 minutes every day
– get yourself comfortable – put your hands on your belly and feel the rise and fall of your abdomen as you breathe in and out through your nose. You don’t need change your breath in any way – focus on your hands and feel the breath underneath them breathing in your body.
– turn on your alarm so you don’t need to be concerned about the time
– use music if this helps
– aim to do this at the same time everyday - Take some time in nature every day – it doesn’t have to be for long or far away, if you have a garden go there – or nearby at your local park. Go somewhere that you can see green and hear sounds of nature such as birds, waves, wind in the trees etc. Sit down and take your focus to the natural world around you. Feel the ground under your feet. Look around and notice what you notice.
These suggestions are just a starter to begin to develop your toolbox of self-care practices. Adapt them to your own style and find what works for you.
Set the intention for personal wellbeing and be kind and gentle with yourself as a way to keep you centred – just like the flower sitting softly in the centre of the forest floor in the photo above.
