A lot of times people ask me how I am able to do what I do and not be stressed about working with people who are sharing their life with me all day long. Apart from loving what I do and feeling so honored to witness the growth of the people that I work with I also take care of myself. These are some of the things that I do on a daily basis that helps keep me stress-free.
Grounding Morning Practice
Research shows that even one minute of meditation reduces stress. Every morning when I get to my office, I do this practice for one minute. My one-minute mediation involves focusing on my breathing and adding a few words as a way to set the intention for the day. On the in-breath, I think of something that I would like to bring into my day such as “I am balanced” and on the out-breath I might invite “I am grounded”. This way to start the day allows me to start my day from a balanced, centered placed and not form a crazy place.
After Lunch Practice
Whenever I can I go for a short brisk walk around my neighborhood. I walk with the intention of being present with the experience of being outside. I give myself an assignment, to see 5 different things, to smell 5 different things, to touch 5 different things, and to listen to 5 different noises. My assignment is to notice, just notice! This practice engages our emotional brain, the one we need to keep balanced.
End Of The Day Practice
This practice is an ancient yogic breathing technique. The way I do it is by thinking of a triangle. One side of the triangle is my inhale breath. I count for a count of four. The next side of the triangle is to hold my breath. I count for a count of seven. And the last side of the triangle is my exhale breath. I count for a count of eight. I repeat this three times.
Self-care is fundamental for our ability to be present in our lives and live a healthy life both physically and emotionally. It does not require a huge commitment of time; it just requires a commitment on doing it every day.
Are you ready to start!