Feeling Fully Resourced: A Holistic Approach to Well-Being
In today's fast-paced world with the current environment of wars, deep political divide and general sense of uncertainty, feeling fully resourced—mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually—can often seem elusive. However, by consciously nurturing multiple aspects of our well-being, we can cultivate a sense of balance, inner stability, and even fulfillment. Here are some tips to help you feel more resourced internally and externally.
Mental Well-Being Resources
Practice Mindfulness: Engage in daily mindfulness exercises. This could be as simple as spending five minutes focusing on your breath or observing your surroundings without judgment. It can be asking yourself, "how am I doing, and what do I need in this moment?" Mindfulness helps reduce stress by bringing us into the present moment, which also enhances concentration.
Continuous Learning: Stimulate your mind by reading, taking online courses, or engaging in puzzles and games. Even taking a new route to work stimulates the brain. Lifelong learning keeps your brain active and sharp.
Set Boundaries: Knowing when to say 'no' and when you need a mental break from everything Is a game changer. Protect your mental space by setting clear boundaries with work, social media, and relationships. You don't have to be 'on" at all times. This will help prevent burnout and maintain clarity.
Emotional Health Resources
Express Your Emotions: Journaling or talking with a supportive friend about your feelings can be rewarding and cathartic. Both will help you process emotions and gain insight into your experiences.
Practice Gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal and write down three things you are thankful for each day. This practice shifts your focus from what's lacking to what's abundant in your life. It's also an incredible mood lifter when you are downspiraling into the negative. Catch yourself by reminding yourself what's good about life right now.
Seek Support: Don't be an island, there are people out there trained to help those with problems just like yours! Give yourself the grace to reach out for help when needed. Whether it's talking to a therapist or joining a support group, sharing your emotional load can be incredibly healing.
Physical Vitality Resources
Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Whether it's walking, yoga, taking the stairs, dance jams in your living room or beginning weightlifting, find something you enjoy to keep your body moving. This creates "feel-good" hormones in the body which bless us with lifted spirits, renewed motivation, hope and vitality.
Nourish Your Body: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Proper nutrition fuels your body and keeps you energized. Junk food makes us lethargic, cranky and unfocused. You want to eat to add life to your life, not take it away!
Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. No devices in the bedroom unless they are on airplane mode, and a dark, cool room is ideal for sleep. A restful night's sleep is crucial for physical recovery and mental clarity as well as having the bandwidth to deal with whatever life throws at you the next day. Taking care to prioritize your sleep Is one of the kindest, most compassionate things you can do for yourself..
Spiritual Fulfillment Resources
Connect with Nature: Spend time outdoors to rejuvenate your spirit, take in fresh air and soak up some Vitamin D. Nature has a calming effect on the nervous system, especially if you have access to a spot in nature untouched by urban noises. Even a tiny pocket park will do, though, as nature is always available to help you feel grounded, refreshed, and connected to the world around you. Nothing puts stressors into perspective like subjecting yourself to the awe and wonder of the natural world.
Meditate: Dedicate time for meditation to connect with your inner self and cultivate your Inner Observer. This is the part of you that pauses to reflect before acting, notices the emotions arising, and chooses the best course of action based on your values and principles. It is like a muscle that needs strengthening in us all. Meditation can also enhance your sense of peace and self-awareness as it brings you promptly into the present moment.
Cultivate a Sense of Purpose: What do you stand for? (not against, but for) Engage in activities that align with your values and passions. Whether it's volunteering or pursuing a hobby, activities that give you a sense of purpose can enrich your spiritual life and help you cultivate a strong sense of self..
By integrating these tips into your daily routine, you can cultivate a holistic sense of being resourced, from the inside out so that no matter what life brings you, you've got the bandwidth to deal with it. Remember, it's about progress, not perfection. Allow yourself the grace to grow and adapt at your own pace on this journey to well-being.
Here's some specific resources:
Check out these digital "care packages" that you can use to support your own path to inner and outer resourcefulness. Choose from 7 different themes. Each package includes a pre-recorded Yoga class video, Meditation audio, EFT tapping video, Journaling prompts, and more.
This CD (available as MP3 or actual CD) has 10 guided meditations and visualization set to beautiful original music to help you calm your nervous system and regain your sense of self, especially after experiencing a trauma.
This 'new' form of healing is as powerful as it is simple. While you rest and listen to the instruments played by the sound healer, the sound frequencies will be meeting the cells of your body to create sympathetic resonance, which means your cells are now vibrating at the same frequencies as the instruments, and thus finding inner calm in order to support deep rest and restoration of your nervous system.
Finally, be sure to check out my Resources page full of many more resources for a variety of needs.
