Time To Relax With Restorative Rituals

 

It has been scientifically proven that taking a moment to be mindful and to breath, makes you more productive, more optimistic and happier.

So I went digging for inspiration — reading the work of experts and influencers to see how they steal their little moments of solace. I was hoping to unearth a gold mine of soothing strategies that can bring calm and restore a sense of order to my life.

Here are my findings;

Come to my senses

If I’m at the office, I can take a minute between tasks and to try and engage all my senses. Step outside to see the clouds or art hanging in a gallery window, and to smell a flower or the crisp air after a rainfall. Hug a soft velvet pillow while taking deep, slow breaths and tune in to the birds chirping outside my office.

Tidy My Tote

Nothing is more calming to me than dumping out my purse on the kitchen counter, reorganizing everything, and putting it all back in order. Anytime I feel overwhelmed, I just open my freshly organized purse and get a little shot of hope. It feels like a microcosm of life. If I can reclaim control of my purse, I can do anything!

Click On That Adorable Video

Seeing a cute animal activates the amygdala, the emotional system, in a positive way and gives bursts of dopamine that boosts our spirits. So, when a bunny video pops up in my email or social media feed, I’m going to enjoy it!

Dive in — Literally or Virtually

You know that feeling of deep calm that sweeps over you when you step up to the edge of the ocean, a lake or even a pool? Water has an immediate calming effect. Taking a long swim or blissing out in a flotation therapy device will have the most impact, but I can also just listen to the sounds of a babbling creek, stare at a fountain outside during lunchtime, or watch a live feed from an aquarium. Even looking at a photo of the sea can do the trick.

Make The Call

I’m should take five minutes to call a friend. Yes, call! I don’t expect them to answer so I’ll be ready with a fun voicemail message, like “Nothing’s wrong — you just popped into my mind.” I should think of it as a little love note, and when I’m feeling alone or stressed, spending that minute thinking about friends will remind me that I too am loved, and it will help my brain.

After I Hug The Tree, I Will Stare At the Branches

Brain-wave tests show that looking at complex, repetitive patterns called fractals has the same effect as meditating. In a forest, there are fractal patterns everywhere: in the branching of trees, in gnarled roots, in streams, in fluffy clouds. It’s called effortless looking, and it happens subconsciously. Those fractal patterns pour into my brain and relax me.

I found these to be innovative and easy tips to hit reset, find calm and have fun. I hope you do too.