Letting Go of Tension by Living with Intention – Part II

“Be like a tree. Stay grounded. Connect with your roots. Turn over a new leaf. Bend before you break. Enjoy your unique natural beauty. Keep growing.” ~ Joanne Rapits

Last week I shared three of my favorite ways to let go of tension and live with intention through super simple and quick daily self-care practices. I hope you gave them a try because this week, as promised, I want to share a few more.

The great thing about the concepts that I’m sharing with you through this mini-series is that they do not require big changes or much time. The truth is - small shifts can produce big results. If you commit to consistently being intentional with even a few of these simple practices, I believe you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the profound difference they can create within you.

With that being said, let me share three more powerful but simple ways to intentionally practice self-care and relieve tension:  

Ground Yourself – This can be done in conjunction with the ideas I gave you last week of breathing, stretching, and pausing. The concept of grounding yourself is simple. Place your feet flat on the ground (standing or sitting). If you are in a place where you can take your shoes off, it’s even better. Try to feel all points of your feet connecting with the ground together and notice how supported you feel by that connection. And how strong that connection makes you feel. Now pause, breathe, and stretch.

Physical Touch – Try putting your hand on your chest the next time you start to feel your heart race. The gentle pressure can relax and calm you. Or ask for a hug from someone you love. When we hug, our bodies release a hormone called oxytocin (aka the “love hormone”). This warm embrace naturally reduces blood pressure and stress. Not to mention, activating a sense of safety and security which can help you feel that everything is going to be okay. In general, hugging makes you happier!

Empowered Talk – The words we speak to ourselves are beyond powerful. But often and especially when we feel stressed, overwhelmed, or fearful, our self-talk becomes reactive instead of intentional. However, if you can be intentional about making certain your words are empowered during those moments, you can quickly and easily move yourself forward while leaving the tension behind. Try minimizing words that focus on a problem and instead speak words that will empower you. For example: Instead of repeating, “I have so much to do.” over and over. Try saying things like. “Everything will get done. Everything will be okay. I can do this.” And if you need help remembering to shift your self-talk, write down a message to yourself and place it somewhere that you see it often. The more you intentionally practice empowered talk, the more natural it will become.

Once again, give these concepts a try. Self-care doesn’t have to be big when you intentionally practice little elements of self-care every single day. Next week, I’ll be sharing the last three big ideas of this little mini-series with you on letting go of tension by living with intention. So be sure you check back in. You won’t want to miss it.

What are you waiting for? Invest in your self-care and your future now by joining me in an interactive virtual workshop, Click Here to sign up!