Throughout our lives, we’ve been taught that true relaxation can only happen when we’re not at home. So, we eagerly wait for week-long vacations, forgetting about the free time we have regularly. But guess what? You can get that same deep relaxation you feel on vacation right in your own cozy home.
The peacefulness you feel on vacation isn’t just because you’re somewhere new, it’s because you let yourself relax and recharge. If you can bring that same chill vibe to your everyday life, even when things are hectic, you’ll be a lot more relaxed and happy.
At home, distractions are like ninjas, always hiding and ready to strike. They come from all the chores we have to do just to survive. If you want to feel as peaceful as you do on vacation, you need to make your home a chill spot. Temporarily ignore the mess, but if there is an overwhelming amount, tidy up the space you’ll be using for your staycation first. Relaxing is just as important as eating. Next, set the mood.
Vibing to music that brings back memories of a vacation? It’s like your mind gets whisked away to that chill, carefree place all over again. The same goes for sipping on a tropical drink or chowing down on some delicious ethnic food – they’ve got the power to transport you to a more tranquil headspace. Instead of stressing over your to-do list, give yourself permission to kick back, relax, and do stuff that genuinely makes you happy. Your responsibilities can wait while you take some well-deserved time for yourself. So go ahead, unwind, and bask in that inner peace that only you can bring to yourself.
When you feel like going back to your crazy-busy lifestyle, remember that chilling out should be at the top of your to-do list. Even when life’s got you running around like the Duracell bunny, you need to take some time for yourself and do things that make you feel good. You might not always be able to take a Stayca!, but even small acts of self-care can help you find your inner peace and make your brain feel refreshed.
The past Coronavirus pandemic has impacted all of our lives and for many of us caused increased amounts of stress in various areas of our lives.
Managing stress is paramount due to its impact on physical and mental well-being. Fortunately, techniques exist to help us cope with stress, promote healing, alleviate pain, and regulate our nervous system, leading to a reduced stress response.
Have you ever encountered the concept of “fight or flight”? When faced with abrupt and intense stress, our bodies naturally activate this response to prepare for either escaping the scenario or confronting it. However, in our daily encounters with stress, we often lack the option to flee or physically combat the stressful situation. Unlike facing a tiger on the street, most of our stressors are not as tangible or easily avoidable.
When enduring prolonged periods of intense stress, the body remains in a heightened state, persistently releasing stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol into the system. This ongoing stress response takes a toll on both physical and mental well-being, potentially leading to various health issues over time. Chronic pain, anxiety, emotional instability, gut inflammation, and numerous other health problems can manifest as a result of this chronic high-stress state.
Our bodies possess a remarkable superpower, the vagus nerve system, which can counteract the fight or flight response and promote relaxation. This nerve connects the brain to various parts of the body, playing a vital role in our overall function. Without it, our bodies would struggle to perform basic tasks. By stimulating the vagus nerve, we can unlock numerous health benefits.
To promote the optimal functioning of the vagus nerve, deep, slow belly breathing is a key strategy. Through breathing exercises, you can shift your attention away from stressors or discomfort. The human mind operates linearly, processing one piece of information at a time. If you concentrate on the rhythm of your breathing, the stressor becomes less prominent in your awareness.
The moment we anticipate stress in any form, most of us tend to stop breathing and hold our breath. Breath-holding activates the fight/flight/freeze response; it tends to increase the sensation of pain, stiffness, anxiety, or fear.
To practice deep breathing inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth remember to:
Breathe more slowly (aim for six breaths per minute).
Breathe more deeply, from the belly. Think about expanding your abdomen and widening your rib cage as you inhale.
Exhale longer than you inhale. It’s the exhale that triggers the relaxation response.
Additional techniques for stimulating the vagus nerve include:
Loud gargling with water or loud singing activates our vocal cords which in turn stimulates the vagus nerve.
Foot massage: A gentle or firm touch can assist in stimulating the vagus nerve.
Cold water face immersion: immerse your forehead eyes and at least 2/3 of both cheeks into cold water. This elicits the vagus nerve, decreases heart rate, stimulates the intestines, and turns on the immune system – My Favorite!
Eating fiber stimulates vagus impulses to the brain slowing the gut movements and making us feel fuller after meals
Laughter: having a good laugh lifts your mood, boosts your immune system, and stimulates the vagus nerve. Another Favorite . . .
We don’t always have to let stressful situations negatively our minds and bodies. We can stimulate our vagus nerve to send a message to our bodies that it’s time to relax and de-stress, which leads to long-term improvements in mood, pain management, well-being, and resilience.
Engaging in the arduous process of emotional healing can leave us feeling exhausted and depleted but rest assured, this challenging phase too shall pass.
During detoxification or ascension journeys, it’s typical to experience bodily aches and flu-like symptoms. These sensations, along with fatigue and sadness, are common side effects of deep inner work and cleansing processes. It’s important to recognize that these symptoms are natural and often accompany profound transformations within the body and mind.
As we embark on a journey of introspection, delving into our emotions and beliefs, we encounter profound internal transformations and external shifts. Amidst these changes, our physical bodies may experience fatigue, sending us signals to prioritize rest and rejuvenation. Recognizing these signs, it is imperative to embrace self-compassion and temporarily halt our relentless pursuit of progress. Honoring our bodies and attuning to their needs is an integral part of cultivating greater consciousness and balance.
Upon experiencing any signs of discomfort, prioritize your well-being by increasing your sleep duration. This can be achieved by either retiring to bed earlier than customary or incorporating naps into your daily schedule. Additionally, bolster your body’s natural defenses through a wholesome diet rich in nutrients, ample hydration with water and herbal teas, and the judicious use of vitamins.
Vitamin C is like a superhero for your immune system. It’s like giving your body a power-up to help it fight off those pesky germs. Homeopathic remedies are like little helpers that can lend a hand when you’re feeling under the weather. Talking kindly to yourself and your body is like giving yourself a big hug. It can make a big difference. And let’s not forget the power of chillin’ out. Taking a break from thinking and just relaxing can do wonders for your recovery. If you’re looking for a little extra support, don’t be afraid to call on your spirit guides or angels. They’re always there to lend a helping hand.
It’s normal to experience periods of feeling unwell. Instead of stressing, embrace the opportunity for peaceful rest. Remember that these challenging times are temporary and part of the healing journey. With each passing day, you’ll emerge stronger, healthier, and further along in your path toward recovery.
You may be using a far-off dream as a way to avoid appreciating the good things you already have in your life.
You know how we always have this never-ending list of things we want? It’s like, no matter how many things we cross off that list, we just keep adding more to it. It’s like this endless cycle of wanting, getting, and then wanting again.
But, hey, that’s all part of the fun, right? The things we want are like the carrots dangling in front of us, keeping us motivated to get up and go after them. So, let’s embrace this dance of desire and keep chasing those carrots, my friend!
Because here’s the thing. We all have desires, right? But sometimes, we get so caught up in wanting something we can’t have that we forget about all the good stuff we already have. It’s like we’re using this desire as an excuse to avoid dealing with the blessings in front of us.
You know how sometimes it feels like we’re running around like headless chickens, wishing for things we already have? We can see it in other people but not ourselves. We hear our friends wishing they were different, but we can clearly see that they’re exactly what they want to be. And there are people with amazing partners who still envy yours. It’s like we need someone to knock some sense into us and show us that what we want is right in front of us.
Have you ever thought that we might be making the same mistake? You know, getting so caught up in “The Chasing” of what we want that we forget to enjoy what we already have? It’s like a kid who’s never satisfied with the toy in their hand and always wants the one they can’t reach.
Please, take a second today to think about all the amazing things you have right in front of you. How can you appreciate and enjoy them more? It’s like holding a precious treasure in your hand. Don’t let it slip away without savoring every moment.
Indulge in a day of self-care, a precious gift dedicated solely to your well-being and renewal.
Rephrased, reworded, and reorganized Deep within us lies the potential for self-healing. Our choices have a profound impact on our well-being, yet we often delegate responsibility for our health to external sources. While seeking guidance from healers can be valuable, we possess the innate ability to initiate our healing process.
Devoting a day to holistic wellness can provide a nurturing and comfortable environment for relaxation and rejuvenation. The key to self-healing lies in a genuine desire to embrace our physical and spiritual potential. This openness allows healing energy to flow freely within us, facilitating a profound sense of balance and well-being.
A successful healing day should cater to the fundamental needs of the entire self while channeling healing energy where it is most required. Solitude plays a crucial role in this process, as does the ability to seek sanctuary in a serene and aesthetically pleasing space. Commence your healing journey by setting the intention that this time is dedicated solely to your self-restoration. Elements such as flowers, candlelight, incense, and music can guide our attention toward a more tranquil state of mind.
To enhance your meditation experience, immerse yourself in music through headphones, as it can help you disconnect from distractions and connect more deeply with your inner self. It is our responsibility to determine what we need to do to promote well-being in our lives. For some, it could involve spending time reflecting on their lives. Others may engage in calming activities that remind them of their purpose, such as writing in a journal, spending time in nature, or engaging in spiritual practices. Our healing process may also involve using elements such as color, sound, or crystals to help us find balance and grounding.
Ultimately, your wholesome intentions transform what might otherwise be a simple day of rest into a day of healing. Grant yourself permission to relax and savor the stillness. If you attune yourself to the calm around you, worldly distractions will be minimized and the unadulterated flow of your consciousness will reestablish itself in the forefront of your mind.
As you delve into this journey of healing, the needs of your body, heart, and soul will gradually be unveiled. This revelation will bestow upon you the ability to harness the potent healing energy of the universe. The method you employ to channel this energy will adapt to your evolving requirements, making each day of healing a distinctive experience. Nevertheless, every day will serve to replenish you, enabling you to transform yourself into a radiant embodiment of health and vitality.
**The Next Full Strawberry Moon in the Capricorn is this coming Friday, June, 21st, aligning with the summer solstice highlights a time for the manifestation of Goals. Lean into the ambition and determination of this Full Moon.
As I approach the final stage of my current home office organization project—returning items to their newly organized homes—I find myself asking clients at this point of the project a crucial question: Are they still satisfied with the color scheme of their space? In this recent case, my client expressed dissatisfaction with the existing color, prompting us to explore options within my Sherwin-Williams COLOR tote box. The client has appreciated my brief guide to the meanings of colors, which inspired me to share it with you today.
The Meaning of Colors
How do colors affect moods? While perceptions of color are somewhat subjective, some effects have universal meaning. Colors in the red area of the spectrum can be yellow-based such as scarlet red and red-orange are known as warm colors.
These warm colors evoke emotions ranging from feelings of comfort and warmth to feelings of hostility and anger. Reds can also have an undertone of blue and are known as cool colors such as burgundy, ruby, raspberry, and deep cherry. These colors are often described as calm but can also call to mind seriousness and dignity.
The subject is well documented, so we’ll take a look at some personal and professional connotations associated with six of the rainbow colors to give you a better understanding of the psychology of colors.
1. Red
Red attracts the most attention and is associated with strong emotions, such as love, passion, and anger.
It’s the universal color to signify strength, power, courage, and danger. Red is vibrant, stimulating, and exciting with a strong link to sexuality and increased appetites.
Red is energizing and exciting, motivating us to act. It can also give confidence to those who are shy or lacking in willpower.
It’s warm and positive, generally associated with our most physical needs and our will to survive. It exudes a strong masculine energy. It enhances metabolism, increases respiration rate, and raises blood pressure.
Wear red to energize the group or the meeting but in smaller patches of the outfit, such as a blouse or scarf. It also does wonders to uplift your mood in a dark green, grey, black, and navy basic ensemble. Red ties are also favored by politicians as part of the red and blue tie partnership they wear with everything.
A little can go a long way, however, and in large areas red can cause visual strain. Wearing it too much, too often can brand you as a person in charge, but also as a bossy person!
2. Orange
This is the hue of encouragement, optimism, and self-confidence, marking the extrovert. Orange radiates warmth and happiness, combining the physical energy and stimulation of red with the cheerfulness of yellow. Orange can inspire courage, enthusiasm, rejuvenation, and vitality. It can also have a stimulating effect, particularly on the appetite.
It can also be a sign of pessimism and superficiality.
In business applications, orange gives the impression of affordability, depending on the shade chosen and its combination with other colors. More gentle than red, orange represents more feminine energy and the energy of creation.
For networking or a business social gathering, wear it boldly in a blazer. Pair it with a coordinating multi-colored top and solid slacks, or more cautiously in small patches in a printed top or scarf. It also combines naturally and beautifully with the Autumn shades of the Northern US taking on an artistic or grounded feel with brown and spicy shades. The downside of wearing orange is that orange dye lots vary in quality.
Be sure to check your orange purchase in daylight as the harsher light can downgrade the tone. Orange ties for men are still on the power list so wear them in an expensive silk foulard so that the colors gleam and radiate success.
3. Yellow
Yellow is the color of the mind and the intellect, resonating with the left, logical side of the brain. It is creative, the tone of new ideas and new ways of doing things. Post-it notes and legal pads were invented in yellow for a very good reason!
Being the lightest hue of the spectrum, yellow is uplifting and illuminating, offering hope, happiness, and fun. It’s a warm and happy color that creates a sense of cheerfulness and playfulness, brightening people’s spirits.
However, too much yellow can cause anxiety, nervousness, apprehension, agitation, and confrontation, particularly in people who are already stressed. It can also suggest impatience, criticism, and cowardice, and motivate people to become overly critical, judgmental, and deceitful.
Avoid dressing in yellow when trying to influence men. They tend to see it as cheap and unsophisticated. However, it’s brilliant to help stand out from the crowd and can easily be paired with a moderating shade to add more authority such as mid-blue or forest green. Yellow ties have fallen from the power tie rack recently but can still be worn successfully in a yellow and blue foulard print or polka dot.
4. Green
Green is of nature, of balance and growth. It is restful and secure, symbolizing harmony, healing, and stability.
It also represents security and self-reliance. Darker greens relate to money, wealth, and prestige, while lighter greens relate to rebirth, growth, and freshness.
However, too much green can lead to feelings of envy, greed, jealousy, and selfishness.
In business, green is beneficial for anything to do with health and healing and promoting natural, safe, organic, and environmentally friendly products. Dark green is a good choice for money and financial websites.
Wear it safely and to your advantage at work, in sales presentations, asking for funding or a loan. On the lighter side of the green, turquoise and aqua are two of the most popular colors, like the darker teal, all made from varying amounts of blue and green. They remind one of sunlight on a blue sea, health, peace, and abundance. Use the colors in solids or prints as tops, blouses, and shells under pantsuits with camel, beige, and taupe as well as purple and charcoal. Men can wear teal ties to their advantage when they want to look approachable and authoritative.
5. Blue
Blue is the color of trust, serenity, and peace. It suggests loyalty and integrity as well as conservatism and predictability.
This has the opposite effect on the brain than red. It is calming, reducing tension and fear, slowing the pulse rate, and reducing appetite. While inspiring wisdom and higher ideals, it is sincere, reserved, and quiet. Being cool creates a sensation of space.
Because blue is the most universally favored color of all, it is the safest to use in business and airline uniforms. It relates to trust, honesty, and dependability, therefore helping to build customer loyalty. Blue works well for the corporate world and is often used in important meetings.
Wear it when interviewing, and meeting business professionals such as accountants, insurance companies, bankers, and other financial companies where trust and reliability are important.
The downfall of blue and especially navy is that it can seem mature, conservative, boring, or denote a rigid outlook. However, many blues are more exciting than the navy. Think of a royal or a teal blue that is credible yet more interesting.
Royal blue ties are the politician’s uniform and are very predictable. Great for a conservative audience perhaps. Vary it a little with a blue or navy suit and white or pale blue shirts. What about a tie in varying shades of blue with a splash of red?
6. Purple
Purple is the color of imagination and spirituality, inspiring high ideals. It can be creative and individual or immature and impractical. It is also an introspective tone, allowing us to connect with our deeper thoughts.
People drawn to purple are usually sensitive, understanding, and supportive, thinking of others before themselves. They will often have a peaceful and tranquil quality, with quiet dignity about them.
Purple implies wealth, even royalty, as well as quality, fantasy, and creativity. This tone heightens people’s sense of beauty and their reaction to more creative ideas.
It is often used to denote a high-quality or superior product. If you are in a service business, use some purple in your marketing to promote your premium service.
On your next shopping trip look for purple which is a much more creative choice than buying another black jacket. It’s a good substitute for red and goes well with most pastels to give a high-contrast look of authority, without resorting to the black and white cliché.
Wear it with the confidence that you are going to look expensive and creative. Purple ties and pastel mauve or pinstripe shirts for men are often favored by the more adventurous, creative dressers. Wear them with confidence if you are representing a creative industry, service, or product.
Are you still happy with the colors in your space?
Putting yourself first means it may be necessary to say no to someone else to say yes to yourself.
The familiar advice of airline attendants to prioritize wearing their oxygen masks before assisting others has become a widely cited metaphor for self-care. The reasoning behind this instruction extends beyond safety procedures. It emphasizes the crucial importance of self-care for our well-being and ability to support others effectively. This seemingly paradoxical advice suggests that caring for ourselves is not only a personal necessity but also a means of enhancing our capacity to care for others.
In the myriad of daily obligations, taking care of ourselves seems to often fall by the wayside. We prioritize everything else until we succumb to illness, exhaustion, or overwhelming stress, realizing that we have neglected our own needs. It is at this point that we comprehend the imperative of self-care, not as a form of selfishness or indulgence, but as a fundamental necessity for our well-being and the ability to care for others who depend on us.
Prioritizing self-care may involve declining certain requests to focus on your well-being. It’s common to feel obligated to assist others, but remember the “oxygen metaphor”: just as you need oxygen before assisting others on a flight, you need to care for yourself to be an effective caregiver to others. Remind yourself that self-care enhances your ability to support others and develop a mantra that resonates with you, such as “By caring for myself, I become more capable of caring for others.”
Remember that self-care doesn’t need to be extremely time-consuming. The most effective prescription for self-care is perhaps small, daily rituals. This could include taking 30 minutes for yourself at the beginning and end of the day to meditate, write in a journal, or simply relax. You could also occasionally indulge in a half-hour self-pampering session by transforming your daily shower or bath into a luxurious experience.
Prioritizing self-care, even in small ways, can significantly benefit you and those you care about. Just as we all need oxygen to survive, we also require moments of self-nurturing to thrive. It’s crucial to remember to take these breaths of self-care regularly, just as we naturally breathe air to stay alive.
Peace & Harmony, Cheryl
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Practicing mindfulness while walking can be a wonderful way to cultivate awareness and presence in your daily life.
I will be going out later this morning – starting my mindful walking today, I am investing in a practice that promotes overall well-being. It’s a step towards a healthier, more balanced life, where the connection between body and mind is nurtured and celebrated. Take it one step at a time.
Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:
Choose a Location: Find a quiet and safe place to walk where you won’t be disturbed. It could be a park, a garden, or simply around your neighborhood.
Begin with Intention: Before you start walking, take a moment to set your intention for the practice. You might want to cultivate awareness, find peace, or simply enjoy the present moment.
Start Walking Slowly: Begin to walk at a slow and comfortable pace. Pay attention to the sensation of your feet touching the ground with each step.
Focus on Your Breath: As you walk, bring your attention to your breath. Notice the inhalation and exhalation as you move. You can synchronize your breath with your steps if it helps you stay focused.
Engage Your Senses: Tune into your surroundings using your senses. Notice the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations around you. Pay attention to the details of your environment without judgment.
Stay Present: It’s natural for your mind to wander, but whenever you notice your thoughts drifting, gently bring your focus back to the present moment and the sensations of walking.
Observe Your Body: Pay attention to how your body feels as you walk. Notice the movement of your muscles, the shifting of your weight, and any sensations of tension or relaxation.
Practice Gratitude: As you walk, cultivate a sense of gratitude for the ability to move and experience the world around you. Appreciate the beauty and richness of the present moment.
Set a Time Limit: You can practice mindfulness walking for any duration that feels comfortable to you, whether it’s just a few minutes or longer. Set a timer if you like, or simply walk until you feel ready to stop.
Reflect Afterwards: After you’ve finished walking, take a moment to reflect on your experience. Notice any changes in your mood, mindset, or awareness. Consider how you can carry this sense of mindfulness into other aspects of your life.
Remember, mindfulness is a skill that develops with practice, so be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey of self-discovery and presence.
Mindful Meditation Walking
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