This past week has been GUT WRENCHING and it really took a toll on me. Everything that’s happening in our country right now in response to the death of George Floyd has been emotionally, mentally, and spiritually draining. 

As a result, I haven’t been inspired to do much of anything. I’ve tried to push through, but being creative requires me to protect my spiritual wellbeing. I can’t flow if my energy is blocked by sadness and anger. 

So, for the past couple of days I decided I need a mental health break, which primarily included a fast from news and social media. 

Just 24 hours free of news and social media has made a world of difference for me. I feel much more restored and grounded. 

It was such a reminder of the importance of taking care of ourselves. We have to be so mindful of what we take in, so we can protect our mental and emotional wellbeing.

Here are three simple things I do that help me feel restored and replenished:

1. Daily meditation – I meditate every day using the Insight Timer app on my iPhone. It has 45,000 free meditations. I like to use the guided meditations. They range from one minute to 60 minutes. I typically do a 5-10 minute meditation in the morning and another one at night before I go to bed. I do my night meditations EVERY night. It helps me drift off to sleep peacefully and effortlessly.

2.  Journaling – I have been an avid journal writer since I was in my early twenties. It’s how I release my feelings. This process is very cathartic and cleansing for me. It allows me to get the thoughts out of my head by processing my feelings in writing. I ALWAYS feel better after writing in my journal. 

3. Exercise – physical activity is one of the greatest sources of stress relief. Getting the body moving – especially in nature – does wonders for the mind, body, and spirit. For the past month I’ve been starting my day with movement. I’ll turn on a 5-10 minute stretching video to get my blood flowing first thing in the morning. Even that is beneficial. But the really good stress reducing benefits come from getting your heart rate up and your blood flowing. 

I welcome and encourage you to try one or all of these tips to help you endure these challenging and stress inducing times we’re all currently living.

If you have some things you do, aside from what I’ve mentioned, that help you nourish your spirit, I’d LOVE to hear about it. Please share it with me. 

In the meantime, please stay safe and healthy!!

Until next time…

Be VISIONary!