How is Your Mind?
"I'm fine. I lied. I'm dying inside." Most of us have seen that reel and had a few laughs! I love the one where the yoga student is holding Chaturanga Dandasana (lowering from plank to a hover above the floor) because that is a killer pose!
But I hope that we can also take this seriously, because mental health is a big deal. It is just as important as our physical health because they go hand in hand. One directly affects the other.
I recently had a small yoga injury (ooooooo!) because I didn't listen to my body when a certain bind was becoming too much and I got a sort of tennis elbow. And for a yoga practitioner and teacher, that is NOT good. So I had to take a break to let it heal and icing my elbow really helped. It was probably between 7 and 10 days of hardly putting any weight or pressure on my hands/wrists/elbows/arms/shoulders. Which I decided to use to my advantage to create some hands-free yoga classes and I'm excited about sharing those soon!
In addition to having my "usual" practice unavailable to me, I have been dealing with some issues that have been affecting my mental health. It seems like ever since I lost my grandmother in April, life has been throwing curveball after curveball at me and it feels like it's getting more difficult to bounce back each time. But I'm not giving up! This too shall pass.
So today I'd like to share a few tips that I've been using in order to take care of my mental health during these challenging months. I hope that these can help your beautiful brain feel better like they have for mine!
Tip #1: find stillness. Finding time during my day whether it's in the morning or in the evening to sit, be calm, and not do or say or think anything is so beneficial.
Tip #2: listen to calming flute music while working and/or relaxing. It can be any kind of instrument but make sure that it is calming. Something that you would hear in a spa or massage parlor.
Tip #3: take mindful, deep breaths. Calming the mind and body through inhaling into the belly, then the rib cage, and finally the chest before exhaling in reverse order. This is called the 3 part breath. The Wim Hof Method is also an excellent way to detox the body. Breathe in deeply filling every part of the lungs at once, then exhale all the air out of the lungs. Repeating for as long as you wish. There is an incredible feeling after this exercise!
Tip #4: start a new hobby or do one that makes you feel relaxed and creative. This is one that I haven't yet started but I will be tomorrow as my materials have not yet arrived! I'm going to start watercolor painting. It's something that I've loved ever since I was little and my mom bought me a Monet watercolor painting workbook. I remember loving and cherishing that kit so much! I'm really excited about this and I am not putting pressure on myself to "be good at it" - I'm just going to do it for the pure pleasure of allowing my creativity to flow.
Tip #5: cultivate positive thoughts. These can be in the form of affirmations, counting your blessings and having an attitude of gratitude, or just choosing to dwell on positivity. For example, if I wake up in the morning and I'm feeling down or discouraged, during my quiet/meditation time I will reflect on the fact that I am loved. I am enough. I have value and worth without having to do or accomplish anything. In this moment, I am exactly where I need to be. If I am feeling worried or anxious, I remind myself that the divine plan for my life is unfolding the way it is meant to. I trust that there is a bigger picture and these worries will not be remembered in a month, a week, or even a day. There is something bigger than me and I am cared for, cherished, and protected. Going through a list in my head or on paper of all the beautiful blessings in my life quickly dispels any negativity lurking around. We have so many things to be grateful for - I am grateful in this moment for the gift of music and the privilege of knowing how to play the guitar!
Tip #6: let go of "il faut, je dois" or "I have to, I must". This is something I've been putting into practice that helps so much. All responsibilities necessary to a functional, healthy life aside, why do we put obligations on ourselves? Why do we "have" to do that thing that is weighing on us? Who is telling us that we "must" do this or that? If I don't feel like doing an hour of exercise today, who says I have to? If I only do 5 minutes that is wonderful! I could cite many examples but I think you get the idea and I'll let you apply it to your life. Instead of saying "I have to work out today" I say "I want to work out today" and it may not seem much different but trust me, it really changes your outlook. And if it would be a lie to say I want to work out today then I don't do it. Because integrity is key. Living a lie never made anyone feel good. And more often than not, the simple act of saying "I want to" instead of "I have to" will give you motivation to do that very thing. It takes so much pressure off of yourself.
Tip #7: give yourself some slack. Treat yourself like you would your child or your best friend. Have some grace. Be gentle and loving and don't give any room in your heart or mind for the dark thoughts. Be your own best friend and coach. Imagine everything working out for the best possible outcome, because why couldn't it? Don't give up. Keep going. And be gracious. When I feel down, I recognize the feeling, I accept that I'm feeling that way, and then I let go of any negativity and allow myself to think positive thoughts. It will be all be okay in the end, because if it's not - it's not the end yet.
There are many other things we can do to take care of our mental health and if you'd like to share any that you use I would love to hear them!
Have a wonderful day, knowing that you are loved and you are enough.
✌️Caroline
Published: 11/21/2021
