Cultivating Calm
'Compassion, tolerance, forgiveness and a sense of self discipline are qualities that help us lead our daily lives with a calm mind.'
When everything around you is ramping up, what keeps you centered and relaxed?
The lead up to Christmas and holidays can be hectic and especially challenging for many when tempered with mixed feelings such as grief or worry.
I wanted this blog to serve as an invitation, for you to consider stealing a few moments to slow down, take stock and prioritise your wellbeing. I wonder if expectations, yours or someone else's, are squeezing the clamps just that bit too tightly? What if it's okay that you don't have everything perfectly organised or completed? What if you applied the 80% rule and allowed things to be done well enough?
I know for myself I've been a little wound up (some may say a lot!), but what has helped me release tension and maintain my energy levels has been keeping an eye on the things listed below. As well as doing my best to remember to check in and being kind to myself when I fall short. Sometimes maintaining the basics makes all the other things more manageable.
Going to bed at a reasonable time and switching to a book rather than another episode on Netflix.
Moderating alcohol consumption
Making almost daily movement a non negotiable, even if it's short and not what I love doing, such as a run.
Eating enough protein and snacking well. Making sure I've got decent food on hand that requires minimal effort because I'm pretty lazy when it comes to food preparation.
Drinking enough water which I can sometimes forget to do.
If creating calm is a priority for you, here are three questions to ask yourself.
Where am I getting in my own way?
What might be less stressful if I saw it through another lens?
What is the very most important thing for myself to focus on during this season?
What does calm look like for you?