Life can often feel overwhelming. There are days when you wake up and don’t even need to look at your horoscope to know that things are not going to go your way. Maybe you’re having family or relationship drama. Maybe things aren’t going well at school or work. Or, maybe you or a loved one is dealing with a health issue. Sometimes external forces work to throw us off-kilter and we have to work to restore balance in our lives.
We have four tips to help you restore balance to your life even in the wildest of times.
1 – Breathe.
We mean this both literally and figuratively. Remember that your mind and your body are inextricably connected to one another. Consider yoga or some other breath or breathing centered physical activity for 30 minutes each day — preferably in the morning. The reason breathing is often so central to ayurvedic approaches to wellness is that it’s a great way to help bring harmony back to your system.
Additionally, give your mind a figurative breather. Carve out at least 20-30 minutes a day where you can occupy yourself with something you enjoy. Take half an hour to work on a knitting project, or draw, or paint, or read. Do something calming that you enjoy—give you mind space to breathe.
2 – Drink water.
Sometimes the first thing to go when our lives become stressful is our physical health. In times of upheaval, it’s important to nourish your body in the best way possible, which is what restoring the water element to your body will do. This will serve to keep you physically stable, and to signal that self-care is still important even in the worst of times.
3 – Sleep.
Sleep is often one of the first parts of our life to show the signs of stress elsewhere. Perhaps you’re depressed and sleeping more than usual, or perhaps your depression or anxiety are making sleep difficult. Whatever the issue, remember that a good night’s rest is vital to both your physical and mental well-being. If meditation or sleep supplements don’t help, consider visiting your doctor to discuss the issue—the important thing is not to let the problem go on for too long without taking action as the affects of loss of sleep can be cumulative.
4 – Spend time outside.
Many studies have been done on the healing effect our natural environment can have on our minds. From helping with creativity to calming anxiety, time in green spaces is always time well spent. Even if the weather is bad, bundle up and take a walk in the snow or rain. Take an afternoon to sit by the seaside or lake shore. Sometimes nature’s rich bounty is enough to help remind us what’s important and to help us place ourselves back where we belong in the natural order of the world.
