Evaluate what brings you peace and requires minimal brain matter.
I can hear you now. “I love my work.” Well, I do as well but that requires brain matter. I enjoy being near water and appreciating the waves of the water requires little brain matter. A solo day trip to the beach when I’m in Florida or sitting on a deck near a calm lake when I’m in Michigan brings an indescribable sense of peace. I feel lighter.
A trip to the beach or lake may not always be feasible. This illustrates the need for multiple access points to peace. For example, a nap is my best friend that I rarely get to visit but we truly enjoy one another’s company when we reunite.
Disclaimer: In order for this to have its full effect, you must minimize distractions. While I also enjoy spending time with my children, a trip to the beach with them is more fun than relaxing. Clearly a different kind of enjoyment.
Center yourself around your breath.
I recognize that guided imagery or meditation isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (although it does work). Diaphragmatic breathing will always calm your soul and recalibrate your mind and body. Take 5 minutes periodically throughout the day to close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Breathe deeply. Close out the world and focus inward. Allow your natural physiology to do its job.
Disclaimer: Naturally, random thoughts may enter you mind and try to rob you of this moment. It’s all good. When this occurs just focus on the breathing again. I help myself stay focused by counting.
Confront your stressors.
First you must assess, “Am I really stressed?” We tend to characterize almost any negative emotion as stress. It’s possible that what you are really experiencing is fear or guilt or insecurity or grief or overwhelmed. Identify the origin of your stress. Once you discover it, treat yourself with some compassion and then create a plan to eliminate or alleviate the stressor.
Create time to engage in the things that rejuvenate you.
Straight Outta Compton was mine. Not just the movie itself but making a commitment to take myself on a date. Giving myself permission to chose me. Experiencing something that inspired me and got me excited to re-engage in the rest of my day. I feel satisfied. I got to say, in the words of Ice Cube, “today was a good Day.”
Mind – Body – Soul Connection
Our thoughts impact the way we feel. The way we feel and our perceptions of those feelings can manifest itself in our bodies. Our souls are recipients of the way we love or harm ourselves. Naturally we must get adequate sleep (easier said than done). Naturally we must eat well (easier said than done). Either way we must care for ourselves more frequently. You have my permission. For those of you that are spiritual beings of any kind – seek support, guidance and tenacity from your higher power. You don’t ever have to love alone!
Dr. Brandi Pritchett-Johnson is a Licensed Psychologist and Clinical Assistant Professor at The University of Florida. She is also the CEO/President of the 501c3 nonprofit Future 4 Teens.