My favorite ways to stay grounded
Right now is a challenging time for all of us. There is a lot of uncertainty and chaos all around the world. Unfortunately, most of it is out of our control. So, it’s time to let go of the need to control. Time to surrender and trust the plan thats taking its course. I know, I know, that is very “yoga” of me to say, but it’s the truth. For the time being, I decided to share with you my favorite ways to stay grounded. I use these practices frequently and find them the most beneficial when I’m feeling anxious or uneasy. As a mother, that’s quite often, but I am okay with that. Use these practices on the daily and feel how they transform your life. I hope they benefit you as much as they do me.
Breathe.
First things first, take a deep breathe with me…
Yup, I know you’ve heard this your entire life, but that’s because it’s true. Taking a deep breathe does more for your mind and body than you realize. When you take time to participate in deep breathing it actually activates your parasympathetic nervous system telling your body to calm down. It activates those nerve receptors and creates a sense of calmness. Take the next 30 seconds to breathe in for 3 seconds and out for 6 seconds. You’ll feel a difference right away and boy does it come in handy especially for times like right now.
If you want to create even more of a focused and relaxed breathing space, I highly recommend diffusing some high quality essential oils. My personal favorite are Young Livings, peppermint and lavender. They also have “focus” oil blends that can really help your mind and body feel at ease. If you’re interested in Young Living’s oils please reach out to my friend, Jaya. You can email her at hello@streetcherri.com or message her on her instagram page, which is full of creative oil blends and practices.
Eat grounding foods!
Eating foods that provide a grounding energy are perfect for right now. Eat produce like beets, carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes turnips and ginger. Eating root vegetables can provide your body with amazing health benefits like reducing stress, healing the gut, providing the body with energy and boosting the immune system. Blend them in smoothies, roast them in the oven, throw on top of salads etc. Check out my grounding energy smoothie recipe below. It’s filled with root vegetables and packed with vitamins + nutrients.
Grounding Energy Smoothie
Equipment
- high speed blender
Ingredients
- 1-2" slices raw beet
- 1 medium carrot, sliced
- 1 cup mixed berries fresh or frozen
- 1 handful spinach
- 1/2 cup yogurt greek or non dairy
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice or 1/2 an orange
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 handful ice cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender + enjoy!
Meditate.
I know meditation and breathing go hand in hand but they’re also great tools to use separately. I love to meditate when I need space to clear my mind. I breathe calmly while I close my eyes and allow my thoughts to melt away. Mediation keeps me present and I think that’s the greatest gift any of us can be given. If mediating is a challenge for you, don’t worry- you’re not alone. When I first started meditating I used self-guided apps like headspace and calm. Both are user friendly and the perfect way to start your meditation practice.
Move your body!
Moving your body and releasing some of that extra (anxiety driven) energy can do wonders! Taking just 20 minutes to move, stretch, walk, run, bike, dance etc. will help you physically AND mentally. Not only that, but it helps you stay in the present, which is exactly where you need to be. When we move our bodies our brain releases endorphins which make us feel happy. There’s nothing more refreshing than when you’re high on endorphins! Plus, it can get your mind off of whatever may be causing you stress. So, I encourage you to explore youtube and find a free yoga, HIIT, or dance class that you can enjoy right in the comfort of your home. Theres always a variety of fun classes you can choose from.
Explore your creativity!
This has to be my favorite ways to ground myself because it involves self-exploration and discovery. Some days I never know what I’m going to come up with and that’s why its so exciting. Begin by picking up a pencil and piece of paper. Start by writing, drawing or creating whatever comes to mind. There is no right or wrong way to explore your creative side so have at it! Some days I draw flowers, write poems, write down and sketch what I’m grateful for in that very moment, sing a tune, create garland to hang, recipe test, write a letter to my future self, create intentions for that month and then decorate around them. You can paint, sculpt, reorganize, the sky is the limit here. The key point of this exercise is to get to know yourself a little better. Explore the parts of yourself that you often forget are there, waiting to be discovered. You never know what you may find.
If you have any practices you use to help keep yourself grounded please share!
I love learning about each and every one of you. Stay safe, stay grateful and grounded for wherever you are in this moment. This too shall pass.
Stay sweet.
-Ashley