How I live my day holistically & happy.
How I
Practice MINDFULNESS
Do you live you life at a hectic pace, rushing from this task, to that appointment, always feeling guilty if you were not actively 'doing something'?.
Mindfulness is a major elemnet of Buddist practice that is increasingly used today to treat stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, to improving general general self care. You dont need to go do a course of buy arms full of self help books to become mindful. Here is how I began.
The key step to mindfulness is being able to take a step away, or grab a stolen moment to be still and observe your thoughts, sensations and emotions. Try to grab these stolen moments as often as you can throughout the day, especially during those times when its just getting that little bit too much.
- Become aware of your senses. What do you see? What can you hear and smell?
- Become aware of your breathing. Are you breathing fast, shallow, rapid, deep? Take three long deep breathes, slowly, in and out through your nose.
- Close your eyes, what energy can you feel in your hands?
- Notice how you feel emotionally from when you began until now.
My stolen moments are often cooking dinner, going for a walk, getting ready for work, driving to and from work, in the shower - that is at least 6 routine moments you can practice self care. Afterwards I feel calm, my physiological symptoms of anxiety, rapid breathing and increased heart rate have slowed dramatically, and I feel prepared and ready to continue throughout the day. I recommend practicing at home for the first few times, before bed is a good time start. I would love to hear how you go!!
An easy guide to crystal healing
Crystal healing is based on the folkloric belief that gemstones and crystals hold specific energy that can help facilitate healing and growth.
So how can we harness the power of crystals? Yes, it is as simple as carrying them, wearing them or placing them in your home. There are other things you can do to enhance potential strength but this is a great place to start.
Top 5 health and wellness crystals to start with!
Rose Quartz - It activates the heart chakra, boosting confidence and enhancing self love. Its also helps release anger and resentment. Its your best first purchase because it amplifies the healing powers of other crystals.
Clear Quartz - It activates clarity of the mind and helps connect you with your intuition.
Amethyst - The amethyst, not only stunning, it is know as a protection crystal. It also promotes mental, physical and spiritual healing. (These are my go to!)
Citrine - is considered a powerful crystal for manifesting goals and intentions, leading to wealth and abundance.
Labradorite - Is known for its abilities to assist in pursing your dreams and aspirations.
It is said that if you walk into a store of through a market and a crystal catches your eye, do not walk away from it it, or go home and research it, trust your intuition and purchase it. You will need it sometime in the near future.
Kindness and selfcare
The act of showing kindness to yourself and others doesn't cost anything, however it can be one of the most enriching acts for both the giver and receiver.
There has been many studies done over the years that show acts of kindness creates a warmth of emotions which triggers the release of oxytocin, the love/feel good hormone.
My top 3 self care activities:
Water - Drinking water is so critically important to maintaining healthy function of the human body and it is a simple yet forgotten self care task. I aim to drink 1.5-2L per day not including any physical exertion activities.
Celebrate - Celebrate the days little victories, you may have felt like it was the worst day imaginable but I promise you if you sit yourself down, there was someone who supported you, something new you learned or just the fact that you made it through the day is victorious!
Read - I am a sucker for a good self-love book. Reading something positive only inspires positive thoughts which turns into positive actions. Keep a book on your bedside and get up 30 minutes earlier - start and end your day filling your mind with kindness.
My top 3 ways to brighten someone's day:
Card - Write someone a thank-you card just for being them. Hand written notes have gone by the way side but that personal note - is so heartfelt!
Smile - Smile at a stranger, say good morning on the side walk, be courteous, let someone in front of you at the checkout, give up your set to a seat to a stranger.
Share - Pass on something that has bought you happiness, a book, recipe, a destination, cafe, anything, people appreciate you thinking of them.
