Discover the Zen Zone: 4 Tried & True Methods to Re-center Yourself
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Sometimes, as humans, we have days where we feel off base, and the desire to function on a standard medium is significantly reduced or nonexistent. Due to the capitalist economy, we can think that our value is tied to when we are productive, and the resulting act makes us feel bad when we are not up to being productive. I’m here to tell you that our value doesn’t lie in our ability to be productive! We are not supposed to be on the go all day, every day, no matter what message society pushes down our throats. Today, I will provide several self-care methods I have learned to use regularly when I need to slow down and recenter myself. I hope these methods relieve you so that you can regain control of yourself, your mood, and the direction of the day.
Daily Stretching
Dedicating some time in my day to stretch has been very helpful in recentering myself. I usually incorporate this after work before the gym, but it should be a personal decision when you do it based on your schedule. I’ve read that some people implement stretching at the beginning of their day, but I have a hard enough time getting up in the morning, so I haven’t successfully practiced that yet. Doing what works for you would probably be best, and really, what is most important is that YOU ARE doing it! I’ve learned that our hips keep a lot of our stress, so lately, I have been focusing on hip stretches more to help release the tension that comes with trying to be productive. I’ve used Pinterest and YouTube to find different stretches. You will love this cost-effective alternative option if you are like me and don’t have a personal trainer on a monthly retainer. You can do the stretches anywhere, anytime... on vacation, back home when visiting family during the holidays (which can be another stress point), etc.
Journaling
Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash
My mind is always running. If I’m not mentally planning for the short-term and long-term future, then I’m thinking about what meal prep I’m making the following week. If I’m not thinking about the future, I’m thinking about what needs to be cleaned, what bills must be paid, and calling a family member to check on them. If I’m not thinking about the present, I’m reflecting… okay, ruminating on past events and things that can no longer be changed. Then, if I’m not doing any of the above, I’m laughing at a Twitter post, reading a blog, debating work reform, Marvel movies, and politics on Reddit, and watching some of my favorite YouTubers. This willful mind distraction list can continue for days, but I won’t subject you guys to that!
Instead, I recommend a tried-and-true method that has been used for ages… grabbing a pen and paper and journaling your thoughts! Sometimes, with so many distractions, we can forget what is essential and what is good for our mental health. Learning to turn my phone off or on Do Not Disturb (thanks, Apple) and then journaling for a few minutes has helped me organize my thoughts and can be soothing! Initially, I found it challenging to start journaling without prompts, so I used Because You’re Worth it: Self-Love Journal Prompts for Loving Who You Are by Cassandra Mack. These journal prompts have helped me clear my thoughts and set intentions for the day! I found this beneficial at the start of my mornings to help me recenter myself after waking up since it takes me a while to be fully present. Her prompts help you realize what you have in your life to be grateful for so that you can appreciate it and not focus so much on what you don’t have during this season of your life. I HIGHLY recommend purchasing this book as a starting point to help you get into the habit of journaling.
Listening to uplifting music
Photo by Jair Medina Nossa on Unsplash
When you are feeling down and out or as if life has been taking one too many punches out on you that day, listening to uplifting music can be therapeutic! I want to stress that during this time, the music you listen to isn’t the same vibe as the music you listen to when you are at the gym and need motivation. Listening to music that is low tone, calming, reminds you of your younger years, or takes you into another era so you can be almost completely removed from where your mind is today is what I recommend. For me, that would be some old-school music like Al Green or some gospel music, but you must find what works best to calm or mellow you out. Sometimes, I want to listen to music without lyrics and repetitive, soothing beats like Bossa Nova, which always helps! The type of music is subjective based on personal tastes, but I feel that listening to music with loud yelling or heavy cursing doesn’t mellow me out. If anything, it riles me up!
Being One with Nature
Photo by Sylwia Bartyzel on Unsplash
One of the tried-and-true self-care methods I developed during the pandemic is going outside and walking around one of the local parks. Doing this helps me clear my mind and only focus on which foot I will be using to go forward. Being one with nature is very soothing for me and can be for you, too! Seeing the nearby lakes, the birds, and occasionally a deer or two running free in the wild makes me feel like I’m in my natural habitat. If you are a scenic person, you can even try hiking in nearby mountains to feel accomplished at the top when you view the mountains. Yes, there are other ways to feel accomplished outside of being productive only to make money & maintain standing in the rat race of our society. This is a SUPREME method because you can combine the other techniques I mentioned with this, such as stretching before walking or listening to music while walking! You will feel much better after you turn your brain off and focus on your surroundings, not your to-do list.
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