Counter the Impact of Life’s Many Demands With Intentional, Restorative Practices
A life of balance looks different for everyone. For some, completing a hard workout and eating a nourishing meal may be soothing and restorative.
For others, updating a personal budget and meeting up with friends for a night of enriching conversation might be just what the doctor ordered. In this series, we celebrate the many ways through which we can come to centeredness by spotlighting women who are intentional about cultivating joy and balance through their own unique practices.
Movement is Medicine
Our bodies are fascinating machines that store energy, stress, emotion, and so much more. I’ve found that even the simplest movements can bring me back to alignment when I am not feeling quite right. Been sitting at your desk all day? Take a moment for a few neck rolls between answering emails. Have a lot of pent-up energy? Try walking a little faster or scrubbing your dishes a bit more vigorously.
The Power of the Pause
Much of our modern life is filled with endless to-do lists and tasks. We’ve put a huge emphasis on the destination and have forgotten to enjoy the process. When I get overwhelmed, I like to remember I am a human being, not a human doing. There is power in taking even a few moments each day for yourself. When we take a moment to soak in our surroundings, it elevates the good and gives us perspective against the bad.
Express Yourself
As people, much of our struggle comes from unexpressed emotions and stress. As much as we wish we could cover it up with social media or television, it’s much more effective to seek outlets that really let us release the negative. For me, it’s hot yoga, creativity, kickboxing, or a quick walk. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Find what makes you feel good and keep doing it!
