PsychSaver.com Forum

Restoration of Balance: Mind/Body/Spirit

If you take care of your mind and your body, you are taking care of your spirit, as well. Your spirit is that intangible energy that allows your self to maintain balance or harmony. It is the center from which your energy flows into the universe.

In order to maintain a healthy body, there are things you can do that are easy and that do not take up a great deal of your time. If you practice these simple procedures, they will become habitual, just as the unhealthy lifestyle you may have adopted. If you start a program for yourself, you will find that your self-esteem will very quickly soar. This is like one of those truths that is right in front of your eyes, but you are not aware of it's power.

SELF CARE

1. Drink 6-8 8oz. glasses of water per day.

2. Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fish and meats or soy products.

3. Exercise for 20-30 minutes per day. Break a sweat and get your heart pumping if possible, but you might start with a walk around the block.

4. Get adequate sleep on a regular basis.

5. Take any medications as prescribed.

SELF-SOOTHING

THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO TO SOOTHE YOURSELF IS TO LEARN TO BREATHE!

Conscious breathing is a very effective tool for calming both the mind and body. Stress, fear and anger can lead to an unconscious pattern of shallow breathing, which only makes the stressful feelings increase. You can interrupt this cycle by consciously breathing into your abdomen. Twenty minutes of abdominal breathing in the morning will set your anxiety thermostat to a lower point to which you can return throughout the day.

WHAT TO DO:

Let your shoulders, jaw, and the rest of your body relax. Consciously follow your breath as your abdomen rises and falls. Place one or both hands on your abdomen to help remind your body to breathe in the abdomen, or place some other object on your abdomen so you are aware of its rising and falling. Insert 3 minute breathing breaks into your day whenever you feel your thoughts racing and your body tense. Before you enter a situation that you know will be stressful, or during a situation which has become stressful, take a minute to breathe!

SOOTHING ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO BY YOURSELF

1. Take a nap.

2. Take a hot bath with scented bubbles or oils.

3. Listen to music.

4. Write a kind note to yourself.

5. Drink herbal tea, hot or cold.

6. Go outside and admire your natural surroundings.

7. Cook or bake something delicious.

SOOTHING ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WITH ANOTHER PERSON

1. Watch a funny movie.

2. Call a friend or relative and have a nice conversation.

3. Get a massage.

4. Go for a drive/hike/walk in the mountains.

5. Invite a friend for coffee or a drink.

6. Write an email or letter to someone