So basic, yet so many of of forget the power of it. image: staging.fionaharlowe.com
Did anyone get the memo that November is almost over?
Like clockwork, this time of year brings with it a feeling that life is forging full speed ahead. No holds barred. Life on fast forward without a pause button.
Next thing you know, you’re thinking about the holidays which inevitably leads to end of the year and the millions of things you’ve still got to do. Pick your poison: holidays, gift buying, pressure to wrap up end-of-the-year projects, new year new you, accomplishments (or lack of) are all perfect ingredients for emotional roller coasters.
You might be feeling a little anxious right now, which is completely natural. If by any chance you are rocking the perfect peace, go you!
Year after year, we submit ourselves to self anarchy, leaving our inner being no choice but to go bonkers.
Anxiety sneaks into our lives and bodies, causing symptoms such as chest pressure, difficulty sleeping and irritability. It’s like an annual holiday in itself, sans the cause for celebration.
The good news is that there are tried-and-true ways to say “thanks but no thanks” to anxiety to help reach and maintain a balanced state of inner calm during the most turbulent of times.
In mastering these techniques, you will find that you can surpass any challenge thrown your way.
Here are some of my favorite tools and techniques that can help reset your inner self:
1. First things first. 10 minutes of meditation first thing in the morning, before coffee, emails, or social media is a great way to start your day. Kind of like a date with yourself. Isn’t the saying, put yourself first? Although it’s also important to note that meditation is possible any second of the day. So if you can’t have that date in the am, any time is the right time.
2. Commit to yourself. Mastering anything takes time and dedication. This is no different. No one expects you to meditate Buddha style within a week. But you would be wise to practice on a daily basis, roughly around the same time of day. We’re not looking for perfection, we are looking for consistency.
3. Let your thoughts be as they are. Many folks don’t even try meditating because the idea of “not thinking” seems impossible. And in fact, it is. My advice? When a thought comes into your mind, don’t get frustrated. Just gently allow them to flow out as easily as they flowed in. And if other thoughts enter, just keep repeating. Eventually, your thoughts will get the hint and will begin slowing down. They may never completely go away but the beauty at this stage is that you are becoming unattached.
4. Find your own inner Om. Mantras are the perfect way to work out any tensions in your body and mind to help you focus on the now. While Om is a great place to start, there’s nothing more divine than finding that vibration that makes your heart sing. Find one mantra each week to chant until you meet the one that feels like heaven. Here is a great place to start.
5. Affirmations a-plenty. Ever hear of fake it till you make it? A declaration that something is true will do wonders for inner balance. Tell yourself something enough times and you will inevitably believe it to be true. No matter whether you find one or create one yourself, just make sure it sounds and feels amazing. Before you know it, your thoughts will make it so!
What are you waiting for? It’s the perfect time to start strutting your just-say-no-to-stress stuff. With a little practice and dedication, you’ll end the year looking like a champ and feeling like a million bucks.
