Grounding Yourself

My head is in the clouds, I’m feeling so overwhelmed and stressed, life is throwing curveballs, and nothing seems to be going my way…. Aaaah what do I do… HELP!

We all have moments like this when nothing is going right and we just want to throw in the towel. We can’t get our bearings or grounding back and just feel off and wrong. That then messes with our head and our security in ourselves as well making our foundations crack even more under pressure. How can we rebuild that foundation even stronger? How can we re-ground ourselves and find peace in the crazy daily life we live and not get swamped? This is so important for our mental health as well because too much chaos and stress is never good in the long run. So take a deep breath, sit down if you can, close your eyes and exhale slowly. That always helps me to clear my head so then I can conquer grounding myself. I just wanted to share a couple of the options I use to ground myself during stressful times and hopefully they can help you out as well.

Music– Do you have special music you can turn on that just calms you OR makes you feel happy and positive? It can be anything because everyone has different tastes, but usually calming piano or classical music does the trick. I find having background music when I am doing pretty much anything just helps me stay focused, but not frazzled. The tasks are more enjoyable and if you can sing or hum along then they go even faster.

Lights– Bright lights overtime can cause you to get headaches or have to squint and not see clearly, etc. If you are in a situation where you are feeling overwhelmed and you can dim the lights, DO IT! I find when I’m writing I love to have my white Christmas lights on around me and then a couple candles. Those dim, but warms lights just help created a calmer environment and I don’t feel as frazzled as when I’m writing in a brightly lit room. Light is very good don’t get me wrong. I LOVE natural light. If you can get outside in the sun when stressed even better, because there is something about the warmth and light and vitamin d that just is so calming. Stand in the sunlight, close your eyes and lift your face towards the warmth, BUT if it’s winter and you live in the Pacific North West like I do where the sun rarely shows it’s face…. Candles and Christmas lights it is!

Liquids– Have you had enough water today? Staying hydrated throughout your whole day can help combat fatigue, stress, migraines…etc. Water is the best option, but I also find when I’m not feeling grounded a good cup of herbal tea is so calming and helpful. The warm liquid is a perfect relaxing method and tool in bringing everything back together.

Nature– If you can find a way to escape into the outdoors away from all the hustle and bustle of the world do it! Go get lost in the stillness and grandeur of all the beauty around you. You can go anywhere that is near you that brings you peace. For some it’s the mountains, others the water, the trees, the wide-open skies… etc. Every one is different and if you explore enough you can usually find that one niche of nature that completely replenishes you. For me that is water. If I can find a way to escape to be by a body of water I will. During the summer I spend as much time as I can by the local rivers and lakes. The sounds and blue color and motion of the water brings me a sense of calm and peace. I leave feeling refreshed and like I can conquer anything life throws at me the rest of the day! As well as just being out in the sun as I mentioned above can truly help. Sunlight and water, two of my favorite things!

Read– Take some time to read a bit of anything just to re-center. Self help books, the bible, cookbooks, and magazines…. You should however, try to read something that has a positive and uplifting tone to it so you feel ready to conquer the task ahead of you after putting the book down. Many people like reading self help or motivational books during times like this so they can become re-energized and motivated. Even better sit down and read with a cup of tea!!!! Best of both worlds.

Pray/Meditate– Whichever one you do, or if there is something different you do that is like those two take the time out of your busy hectic schedule to do just that. Find a quiet spot in your house and do some inner reflection or prayer. I find actually the best place for me to pray is in my car. I call them my “Doug Talks” because my car’s name is Doug. I talk out loud to God in Doug and I discuss things with him, I ask a lot of questions, make requests and of course thank Him for all the things He’s given me. This type of praying or meditating and reflecting can be different for everyone because everyone has such different beliefs, but I think they are very important for our wellbeing, our peace and our growth. We can’t fully continue to grow outwardly with a strong foundation if inside ourselves we are struggling and warring with inner peace.

Working Out– ENDORPHINS!!! This is a given. Sometimes the best way to re-ground yourself and refocus is to sweat it out! Get moving, get active and burn off the stress. This could be going to the gym, doing a workout at home, talking a walk or hike or run, but just get moving. You will definitely feel better afterwards!

All of these are just a few ways I help reground myself if I’m feeling overwhelmed and struggling. There are so many more however, because all of us have our own unique ways that help us re-center. What are some of the ways that help you reaffirm your foundation? You should leave them in the comment section below! The ones I posted about are very easy to do almost anywhere and you don’t really need a ton of props do any of them. Just remember, if you need to take the time to slow down and reassess then do it, and do it now so you can feel refreshed and ready to conquer the tasks ahead of you! Learn to rest and get back up after, not completely stop and quit because you are overwhelmed. Xo

S’Agapo

 

Photo by Stephan Bullard