Reset Like A Champion
MEDITATE Sometimes, all we have is just 15-minutes and sometimes 15-minutes is all that we need. just taking a small break of time for yourself in quiet can be a helpful reset at any time of the day.
JOURNAL You may begin with the prompt "I love the idea of..." and see where it takes you. A surprisingly easy start of a sentence can allow your imagination to wander and discover what some desires might be.
VOICE NOTES A more accessible way to release some of the words, phrases, sentences and paragraphs that beg for your attention might be through a voice note; without judgement, pressure, or structure, just let it out.
ART One of the most therapeutic forms of release, creative expression. Wether that is painting, drawing, pottery, origami, film, the list goes on. There are worlds of mediums that can bring you into your creative self and settle the mind with or without even realizing it.
READ Pick up a book, any book! from novels to mystery's and romance to thriller, the wide range of genres can be a great antidote to a busy mind. Dive into another world and discover something new.
BE STILL Just Be Still.
YOGA/LIGHT MOVEMENT It is sometimes a natural instinct to feel the need to relax when we are most sore but in fact this is a hindrance to our recovery as it allows the lactic acid to build up even more. A light 10-15 minute workout/walk or yoga practice can make a world of a difference, while also receiving the gift of endorphins, the "feel-good" chemical!
WATER (IN ALL FORMS) Drinking, bathing, hearing, seeing, you get the picture. Seeing as how we evolved from water, it only makes sense that connecting with water can be a beautiful reset for our senses. While drinking a glass of lemon water or delighting in an herbal tea can allow the body to rehydrate and regulate your body temperature. Listening to the crashing waves of the ocean or taking a dip in a body of water can regulate blood flow and balance the nervous system.
MASSAGE THERAPY Finding the right massage therapist might take some trial and error, however, getting to know your own body is a journey all of its own. A self massage on the hands, legs, scalp or face can be a subtle way of thanking your body for all that it does for you. In this practice, you might also incorporate a mantra such as "I thank you for you" to blend a beautiful mind-body-soul connection.
SPA REVITALIZATION When the spa is not always as easily accessible as we might like it to be, we can get creative with creating a spa-like setting for our body to recognize. Most spa's contain some source of humidity, an essential oil or two or three, and a tasting table. If you can come up with two essential oils that invoke relaxation such as lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint, and invest in a small humidifier, you can turn any space into the smell of a spa. Adding a few tasty and nutritious snacks like nuts, berries, or granola can create your own unique multi-sensory experience.
FOAM ROLL Using a foam roller to massage your body and flushing out the lactic acid build up can do wonders. Not only as an aid to sore muscles but as a way to thank your body for its hard work. Start with a larger roller to aid in blood circulation to the larger muscle groups and then transition to a smaller lacrosse ball to target more specific areas. Trigger point release can also be a very impactful choice where you might find a tender spot and stay there a little longer with some deep breaths for release.
MANTRA Repeating a sound, word or phrase encourages your brain to let go of its current thought loop and focus on a more intentional one. Our soul loves guidance and encouragement integrated with structure, so as we decide to repeat a phrase such as "Be here now", we find the ability to center in the present moment and quiet down some of the repeated thoughts that are not supporting us.
PHONE A FRIEND/FAM A direct line from your soul to a friend can be as easy as making the decision to utilize your phone as its purest form. At times this can seem more difficult than explainable, but as we can see, if our soul is asking for it, lean in and make the call.
GO FOR A WALK Step-by-step we learn that fresh air and the slightest bit of movement can have a huge impact on some puzzle pieces of our soul that may have been buried deep down in the pile. Take a moment to stop and observe a flower, smell some lavender, or admire the architecture around you. Through this, we might find gratitude, joy, love, appreciation.
GROUND IN NATURE If a towel or blanket are accessible, it might be supportive to find some grass near a tree and connect to mother earth. Feel the breath of the ground beneath, the pulse of the elements surrounding you and the hug of gravity embrace you.
LISTEN TO MUSIC A known genre or a completely new one, a favorite artist or suggested one, a nostalgic song or one that calls you to write a story for the current moment. Music has a way of communicating that your soul truly understands and your response then becomes experiencing it's unique language.
FURRY/NON-FURRY FRIENDS The widest variety of love can be felt through our connection to animals. While a photo of a tiger can invoke one emotion, cuddling with a canine might encourage another. Reptiles have a way of showing a healthy form of interdependence and amphibians teach us about transformation and resilience.