Cat's Tips for Possibilities
/We don’t always have the time and money to get away from our routines and demands on our time. If you continue on a path of always working or feel like you’re behind, this can lead to burnout. I want you to live feeling creative and healthy, grounded and open. That space is where you can be more free to #ThinkAboutPossibilities.
Here are my top tips for shifting your perspective when you can’t get away:
Wake Up Earlier
This may seem counterintuitive, but waking up even a half hour earlier can get your brain out of a reactive mode and into a responsive position. Often you’ll be up before the rest of your household wakes (inspo from The 5AM Club) and can focus on self-care. You could do a workout or yoga practice, read or listen to a podcast or just savour your morning cup of coffee/tea. According to ayurveda, we can optimize our morning routine by waking up before kapha time. Kapha is made up of earth + water and is more dense, sticky and lethargic. It makes sense that when you wake up in the middle of this, you also may feel tired or slow to start. Kapha time is generally between 6-10am and 6-10pm. Waking up before 6am can help boost your energy levels. It’s important to point out that going to bed during kapha time is best, so aim for before 10pm (yes, even you night owls!)
Meditate
The benefits of meditation are being touted everywhere. And the cool thing is: it works! You may have days where you feel less focused or don’t want to sit. Just taking the action of sitting, being still and breathing activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which creates a cascade of effects in your body. One main effect is that you’ll feel calmer be able have a broader viewpoint. There are so many different styles and types that you may need to try out a few different styles before you find one that works for you.
Go for a solo walk and breathe
Getting out of the house/car/office and moving your body is great for your health and mind. When you’re by yourself, you can focus more on your own breath and try to slow it down. I find counting steps while inhaling and exhaling to be meditative and focusing. Just being out in nature (even if you’re on a city street) will allow you to see trees and the sky and helps to connect you with the world.
Get upside down!
Inversions in yoga are available to everyone and can be fun to do! More gentle inversions like Legs-Up-The-Wall or supported Bridge are great to relieve stress with minimal effort. Downward Facing Dog or Headstand or Handstand are active inversions that can help you get our of your mind and into your body. When you’re feeling your body and all of it’s connections and intricacies, you are shifting your worldview. I often feel inspired leaving my mat with new ideas and energy.
Diffuse essential oils
Essential oils are a game-changer! One of the easiest ways to shift your mood and mental state is to aromatically use (ie. smell) pure essential oils. I have many favourites, depending on the time of day and how I’m feeling. In the morning, I love citrus oils and mints (peppermint, spearmint) and if I’m feeling grouchy or tired I like Adaptiv and spices (clove, cinnamon). The molecules of the essential oils directly stimulate the olfactory bulb in your brain and effects your cognition, planning and movement.
Take a whole day to yourself!
If you’re able, this is a great act of self-care. I love to do this every month or so to relax and replenish. I start by waking up early, meditating and pulling oracle cards and practicing yoga. I like to create nutritious and delicious meals and take the time to get outside and be with myself. I make an effort to be off technology and just connecting with myself. Your day will look different than mine, but include rituals and activities that help you to feel more grounded and connected. Let me know how it goes!
