5 Ways to Slow Down
This crisp October air and rainy day are giving me all the feels to SLOW DOWN and enjoy a moment of rest. How about you? I was just chatting with some yoga students about how backwards it seems - that as we enter the season of winter with the natural urge to draw inward - we are “required” to engage in SOOOO many holiday events, social gatherings, and busyness.
What if we replied to this demand with a gentle, “no thanks”? And instead chose softness, slowness, and self-care?
Whether you simply need a pause in-between all the excitement or stressors, or you are making intentional shifts to simplify your lifestyle, here are 5 simples ways to help you slow down this season.
) Exhale. Try the breathing technique that slows your heart rate and calms your nervous system with a longer exhale than inhale. Maybe you can count to 3 on your inhale, and exhale to the count of 6. Give it a try for 5-6 breath rounds and notice how you feel.
) Self-compassionate touch. Place a hand over your heart space. Take an nice slow breath. Remind yourself that you are doing the best you can, and that you are worthy of rest, self-care, and slowing down.
) Soup. It’s warm, it’s seasonal with some root veggies in the mix, and it’s comfort food. Think about it - you can’t eat soup on the run, or scarf it down, right? Enjoy a cup of soup from your local cafe or spend an afternoon stewing your own. Sit down, phone free, and enjoy the warming of your soul.
Sweaters & Smartwools. Yes, it is officially sweater weather! So bust our your most comfy attire and allow yourself some room to breath and be cozy.
Find a Tree. Bundle up and take a walk outside. Even a 5-10 walk around the block can improve your mood, reset your nervous system, and shift your perspective. Things don’t seem as heavy as they do in your mind once you get out for a walk in nature.
Wishing you moments of peace, rest, joy, and slowness this season. If you need a little guidance or practice, join me at a class, upcoming workshop, or at my zen den office for individualized restorative self-care.
Namaste,
Kinzie