You feel it. You see it. The energy swirling around Mother Earth is getting crazier with each passing day. A news headline or a social media post can trigger us beyond normal – whatever that is now.
The world is indeed upside down. Many of my clients are telling me they’re struggling with feeling super overwhelmed, stressed and anxious about the future and what it holds. There’s so much economic uncertainty, record high levels of inflation, relationship stresses, job-related problems and everything in between.
I’ve also seen clients who are becoming numb to the chaos surrounding them. Traditional media sources and social media are very good at orchestrating mass confusion and fear. When we begin to feel numb and even apathetic to how our society is changing (sadly, not for the better), that’s also not good for our mind-body health.
High, uncontrollable levels of stress and anxiety are the number one cause of inflammation and chronic diseases around the world.
So, you want to nip this in the bud as soon as you begin feeling like you’re spinning out of control.
There is one simple thing anyone and everyone can do each and every day to calm frazzled nerves, feelings of overwhelm and high levels of anxiety.
It’s this: simply breathe fresh air.
Make it a habit to get outside every single day and just take in a few deep belly breaths.
September is such a beautiful month. It’s a month of new beginnings and routines: back to school and back to work for many of us. The air is fresh and crisp; days are not too hot, they’re just perfect. Soon autumn will be here and the leaves will begin to change colours and fall. They will gently let go from the trees and rest on the ground.
This autumn, we have a similar opportunity to do the exact same thing. We can make a fresh start when it comes to our mind-body health. And we can also consciously let go of whatever is not serving our overall sense of well-being.
Step outside each day and breathe.
Breathe in gratitude and breathe out stress and anxiety.
With each exhale, gently let go of the burdens you’re carrying around in your mind. Now, they won’t necessarily magically disappear but you can most definitely park your worries for a little while each day to clear your mind and recharge your batteries. Savour a few minutes of fresh air each day and notice how you feel after a week.
Take a walk regardless of the weather. A walk in the rain or on a blustery day will also bring fresh oxygen to your mind, and will lower blood pressure and your heart rate, just as it would on a walk on a sunny day.
Sit on a park bench, consciously breathe and notice your surroundings. Observe kids having fun on the playground, see the dogs out for a walk, notice the joggers. Watch the clouds drift away.
Catch a sunrise or a sunset by the lake or in your neighbourhood. Take a few deep breaths as you marvel over how majestic and miraculous the sun really is.
Walk barefoot on the ground or on a beach if you’re lucky to live by the ocean. Take in the refreshing scent of nature or the ocean as you consciously breathe.
Just really pay attention to Mother Nature when you’re outside. Feel the sun shining on you, listen to the birds chirping, feel the gentle breeze sweep through your hair or take in the smell of freshly cut grass. When you mindfully activate your senses outdoors, your mind and body instantly begin to relax and decompress.
Now, don’t make this overly complicated by using a breathing app or taking your phone with you outdoors. Try leaving it at home and simply go outside, like the good ole’ days before technology ruled our lives.
Turn off your darn phone, disconnect from it completely for a little while each day and reconnect with Mother Nature!
Mother Nature has incredible healing powers.
How amazing would it be for you to feel grounded, centred and calm as you move through each crazy day?!
And here’s the best part: breathing fresh air is free!
If you’d like some help with getting started with mindful breathwork, feel free to contact me for a complimentary discovery call here.
Be sure to check out my book, The Little Book of Grounding: 75+ simple ways to restore balance to your mind-body-spirit using ancient Ayurvedic teachings for today’s world.
Have an awesome weekend!