8 Tips for Re-Balancing & Finding Your Center
Recently I led a virtual self-care workshop for parents in the communications field. Most are navigating working from home, a changing educational landscape and parenting in uncertain times. Erin, one of the attendees, shared with me through tears in a break-out room, “This is SO hard. I just don’t know how I’m going to make it through!” My heart ached for her. These are incredibly challenging times for all of us–especially parents.
Erin and I talked about some essential self-care strategies for creating more flow this spring and most importantly, how to create a more sustainable pace.
The issue of sustainability for self comes up every time I speak to teams and organizations on finding balance. Many professionals share they know they are addicted to feeling speeded-up and have fallen prey to the seduction of productivity.
Do you sometimes feel as if you’re a robot plowing through a to-do list rather than a homo sapien? Here are eight ways to experience mindfulness and create a way of living that is more humane:
Slow down. We’ve normalized “busy-ness.” Our external world is speeding us up—if we let it. We’re not wired to go non-stop. Get in the practice of “pausing” throughout your day to take in your environment and micro-doses of self-care.
Make friends and social connections a priority (outdoor, social-distanced lunches, walks, coffee dates). In our family we say, “People first, things second.” Our quality of life is dramatically enhanced by our friendships/circles.
Put technology in its place. Be careful of what you “normalize.” Remember you’re the master (not the slave here). Observe your habits. In our house mornings are unplugged and in the evenings we play quiet music that supports reading and relaxation; all phones go to “bed” at 9:30 p.m. for the night (and yes, this is hard for the teenagers!).
Do less. When we keep things simple and have fewer choices/decisions we become happier and more relaxed. Our bodies crave unscheduled time. “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should,” is one of my favorite mantras.
Seek out quiet, dark places. No, not your closet (but that’s ok, too). I’m talking about natural areas in your state or the US where there is limited or no access to technology. We love Big Bend National Park. Leave your phone at home. Our bodies need these unplugged respites to re-calibrate.
Take off your shoes and walk outside. Get barefoot on the earth. Walk as much as you can (it’s so good for your body and brain!). Every day go outside and “commune with nature” for at least 10 minutes.
Drink lots of good clean water and eat more fruits/vegetables. How much colorful, energy-infused food do you eat daily? My mom used to advocate for eating food that is alive, as opposed to processed, “dead” food. Food is medicine.
Give/receive eight hugs a day. Hugs, back rubs, morning and evening snuggles, embraces with family at the beginning of each day—all these things elicit a wonderful, positive biochemical response in the body. Read more.
These are all ways of being that are innate to the human experience. They’re hard-wired into who we are. On a cellular level, we know this stuff makes us feel good and helps us remember who we really are, but sometimes we lose our way.
We’re living in times that require us to reflect and question everything. Ultimately, I always ask clients, “How bad do you want to feel good?” Consider that even just adopting one or two of these ideas could make a big impact on how you feel. Be gentle with yourself, it’s a hard time to be a human.
HOW CAN I SUPPORT YOU? HERE ARE THREE OPPORTUNITIES: 
- April 14-16 ~ Awakening Your Wild Soul: Women’s Self-Renewal Retreat at beautiful Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, my favorite retreat center (pictured above). Retreat packages start at just $650. I’d love to support you and this retreat will be more intimate than my others-join us! Learn more.
- Download a self-care retreat today! ~ Susan shared, “Thank you so much for all of your amazing work. I find your blog/newsletters, books, and retreats to be so powerful and spot-on in terms of what I need to hear! Bravo Renee, this virtual retreat was amazing!” Check out our award-winning life balance audio classes and books–available 24/7 to enjoy from the comfort of your home, car, or bathtub! Starting at $49. Learn more.
- Wild Souls Nature Adventures (based in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western NC): authentic movement classes, community song circles, full moon hikes, meditation workshops, women’s circles & more. New offerings listed each week; have me design a custom experience for your team/friends. Join us 2/12 for Wild Souls Authentic Movement Learn more.
