Over the past couple years I’ve been on a journey of healing my body inside and out.
Not because I didn’t like the way I looked, but because I didn’t like the way I felt.
I’ve learned a lot along the journey. I’ve learned what works for me and what doesn’t work for me.
Certain things, like my morning routine, haven’t changed much. However, I have made a few small changes that have helped make some big improvements in how I feel.
3 Things I’ve Been Trying:
- Meditation
For a long time (honestly up until about a year ago) I thought meditation couldn’t help me.
I thought it was “too slow.” I thought I had to have some “meditation space” with a candle and a pillow and everything else you might picture when you hear meditation.
Turns out I just didn’t know HOW to meditate.
I also used the excuse “I don’t have time.” Ever used that one? 😉
I found that I do have time. Not a lot of time. But 5 minutes in the morning to sit in peace has made some serious improvements for me.
When I start my meditation, I am usually groggy, tired, and wanting to go back to sleep.
By the time I finish my meditation I have clarity and I’m ready to start my day!
After 5 minutes!
We often get the mindset that changing our habits or mindset takes a lot of time and energy.
I’m not saying it’s not work, I’m saying that we don’t need to overcomplicate it.
Everyone has 5 minutes to spare in their day! And over time you will see a big difference.
2. Spending time outside
Again, I’m not spending hours outside with this one. I spend time outside in between responsibilities.
When I get home from work, I go outside and play frisbee with my dog for 5 minutes.
I take my dogs on a 20 minute walk in the morning.
And when I’m feeling myself fading, I take a step outside for a few breaths of fresh air.
The powerful effects of some sunshine and fresh air is largely underestimated.
3. Finding/engaging in joyful activities
About a month ago I was getting ready for bed and talking to my husband about the stress I was under. He asked “do you think you would be so stressed if you weren’t doing everything you are for your business?”
The answer was obvious. No, I wouldn’t be so stressed. And that’s when I realized I was putting more on myself than I needed to.
I was doing things I saw other people doing, not because I found joy in them, but because I felt like I had to.
I had to take a serious step back and look at what was bringing me joy and what wasn’t (by the way writing my blog was one of the things bringing me joy!).
I decided right then that I was going to do things that bring me joy, not that bring me dread.
Since that day I have had a much better attitude and have been more happy!
Sometimes it just takes letting things go.
1 Thing I’m Giving Up:
All of the things I’m mentioning are things that are helping me become my healthiest, happiest self.
About three months ago I started learning more about hormones and how hormones affect how I’m feeling. I learned that intense workouts can do more damage to your hormones than good, and can create negative symptoms, many of which I was dealing with.
So in an effort to create more energy and clarity, I changed up my workouts.
Now this sounds simple, but I do love my HIIT workouts, so this was not the easiest for me.
I feel so good when I get an intense workout in, but I can see now the workouts were draining my body.
When I made the switch to less intense (but still solid) workouts, I noticed I had more clarity and energy throughout my day.
Finding your healthiest, happiest self is a journey and a lifelong process. Finding your best self will involve a lot of trial and error, as well as determination and dedication.
You have to be dedicated to feeling your best and remembering why you are creating these habits.
I am on a journey to find more energy and clarity, and that’s why I started meditation and being intentional about my time outside and the joy in my life.
Without intention and consistency, these things would not work.
I am dedicated to being my healthiest, happiest self and I’m thankful for these things as I go along my journey.
Maybe you have tried these things and they haven’t worked (remember my past thoughts about meditation?). I would encourage you to keep trying. Don’t give up.
Maybe you need to try a guided meditation or try a different activity outside.
Maybe you need to take a step back and look at what really brings you joy.
Maybe you are just starting your journey and you need to make just one step.
No matter where you are, start somewhere. Your health and happiness depend on it.
P.S. I’m offering a few free sessions this month. You can schedule one here and we can talk more about your journey to becoming your healthiest, happiest self.
