30 Ways To Relax Your Mind And Nourish Your Soul

This has been a pretty stressful week in the world. The stock market has been going up and down, the world economy has a big question mark, and there is lots of chatter about what the future holds. But that’s just what’s going on in the world. What’s going on in your life? And if you happen to notice that your shoulders are tensed up by your ears, you know that it is time to breathe and relax.

How Can You “Just Relax”?

I don’t know about you, but telling me to “just relax” never works. Many of you probably feel that you don’t have the time to let go or simply don’t know how to. I’ve talked many times about how stress causes health problems and weight gain. So I won’t go over that again. What I will do is talk about little ways to nourish your soul that don’t involve food binges or overeating. Some of them can be done within just a few minutes. If you don’t find non-edible ways to relax, you will eventually turn to food. That is for sure.

If your household is usually loud and chaotic and you find it difficult to get a moment’s peace, escape into the bathroom for 10 minutes. Bring earplugs and your relaxing activity with you. Or wear headphones and listen to music as part of your escape. Your family will thank you for taking time for yourself when you emerge happier and more refreshed.

30 Ways To Nourish Your Soul

1. Take a bubble bath.
2. Paint your nails.
3. Burn incense.
4. Use essential oils.
5. Do a crossword puzzle.
6. Build something.
7. Shadow box or box with a boxing bag.
8. Go into a well-insulated room and scream.
9. Take a bike ride.
10. Knit or crochet.
11. Stretch or do yoga.
12. Meditate.
13. Squeeze a stress ball.
14. Paint a picture or doodle.
15. Make your own jewelry.
16. Walk barefoot in the grass.
17. Observe nature.
18. Sit outdoors and read.
19. Listen to music that calms you.
20. Watch a funny movie or just a quick comedy clip.
21. Call a loved one.
22. Write in a journal
23. Focus on what you’re feeling, and if what you’re feeling is negative, see if you can ask yourself to acknowledge it and then let it go.
24. Play a game with your children, dog, or cat.
25. Go for a walk.
26. Shoot hoops in your yard or the park.
27. Light candles.
28. Dance to music.
29. Write a list of gratitude.
30. Sit in silence and breathe.

The bottom line is that you need to give yourself relaxation time. Because it is as important for your diet to feed your soul as it is to feed your body. And when your soul is starved, it turns to food just as does your body. So pick a way you enjoy to relax and give yourself some time to chill the (bleep) out daily!