Simple ways to Restore your Spirit/Connection to Self

By, Dr. Helen Lee
 
In this fast paced, demanding world that we live in it is so easy to get “caught up” in the drama of life, situations, and others. We can get so busy dealing with one problem or “fire” after another that we don’t even have a moment to breathe let alone connect with our own needs—our own self. When we wait for that next weekend or vacation before we reconnect to oneself, we are choosing stress, disconnectedness, unhappiness, dissatisfation and longing in this moment. So here are simple ways to reconnect to your Spirit/Self every day:
 
1.       Breathe: Take 3-5 Deep, abdominal Breaths consistently through day—every hour, every time talk on phone, get in the car or whatever you choose to help remind you.
If we are alive we are breathing. However, there 2 ways to breathe. Shallow, chest breathing causes our body to operate from the “fight or flight” mode. In this mode we get less oxygen to the brain, organs and cells, increase load or stress on the heart, decrease digestive efficiency, & can build up lactic acid in muscles more readily. Deep abdominal breathing initiates the Parasympathetic Nervous System which optimizes digestion, relaxation, detoxification, and helps to keep hormonal organs balanced.
 
2.       Gratitude: Throughout day think of things that you are grateful for or end the day with writing in a journal the numerous things that you have been blessed with that day.
What we feel creates real chemical reactions in the body. In general negative feelings such as anger, resentment, anxiety and fear creates chemicals in our body that increases degeneration, breakdown of vital tissues, and causes our body to work harder in stress mode. Positive thoughts release chemicals that help with relaxation, digestion, euphoria, and overall well-being. The state of Gratitude can shift our focus from the negatives to the positive aspect of our lives. No matter how bad the day, we all have countless of things to be grateful for—just look for them!
 
3.       Laugh: Laugh for 10 minutes every day for the fun and health of it!
Laughter can be the best medicine! It changes the physiology of the entire body—increases circulation, releases different “happy” chemicals in the body, reduces stress, keeps you in a lighter frame of mind, helps the heart and can even burn calories! If there’s nothing to laugh at, just start fake laughing and in no time, you’re belly will ache from real laughter—it’s contagious too!
 
4.       Sit in Silence: Sit with yourself for 10-30 minutes
If you can meditate great—there are infinite benefits of meditation for the mind, body & overall energy! If not, just make a choice to sit with yourself for as long as you can every day. Get in the practice of quieting the mind, sitting with your breath, and thinking of what you want to create, what you want to experience this day. If you don’t know what you want or need, who does?
 
5.       Take a 15-20 minute walk outside
Connecting to nature can help us connect to oneself—we are a part or extension of nature itself. It can help to slow down thoughts, remind you of the miracle & beauty that exists in the simplest flower or tree not to mention the tremendous benefit of fresh air and sunlight.