We’ve all had those moments where our life force energy hits uncomfortable low points. These moments can be in relation to some event, someone or just come out of nowhere and, you find yourself feeling down in the dumps. To get back on track there are self-care practices you can do to shift your energy and get you feeling upbeat. Here are five of my Top 10 ‘Get Happy’ Strategies. In next month’s opinion piece, we will cover the next five tips. I promise that you will feel a positive shift, both mentally and physically, by even doing just one of these life renewing practices.
Hot & Cold Therapy
Taking a sauna, steam bath, hot yoga class or a nice sweaty workout followed by a cold shower, bath, lake dip or into an actual cold plunge, can be game changers. There are countless published articles on the benefits of hot and cold therapy. Sweating helps the body detox toxins and increase cardiovascular health. When we sweat through our largest organ (our skin), we assist other organs (liver, gallbladder, kidneys) to rid the extra stored toxins. Toxins can play havoc on our emotional world especially when our gut health is out of balance. It is said that cold water immersion activates ‘Cold Shock Proteins’, which can create significant immune benefits. Human Biologist and biohacker, Gary Brecka states, “deliberate cold immersion changes the dopamine receptors in your brain. As you sit in the initial uncomfortableness, you instinctively begin to manage your thinking to calm your mind. As a result, cold water exposure helps you to maintain clearer thinking and gives you a natural ‘high’ for several hours after.” It is hard to be in a bad mood after stepping out of a cold plunge. As an added benefit: fat gets released from the body by activating thermogenesis. I have seen first-hand how regular cold plunging can tone one’s physique and turn on the happy hormones. Brecka says, “3-6 mins a day of 50-degree water immersion is all you need to make remarkable shifts in your body and psyche. These two therapies can develop resilience in both our mind and bodies.”
2. Listen to Music
There is no doubt about it, music can heal. If you have ever released stress by dancing around your room to your favourite tune or enjoyed a good cry with the help of a love song, you know how powerful music can be. Whether playing an instrument or simply listening, music is a powerful tool for mood regulation and balancing stress. Bright, cheerful music can make people of all ages feel happy, energetic and alert and it’s available to anyone who needs it. Not all music is created equal though as it has a frequency that can make a person feel open and expansive or contracted and closed. Health guru, Kash Khano states, “music played at a frequency of 528 hertz can heal your body by boosting your immune system, acting as a strong antioxidant and nerve cell protector”. Find music that makes you feel open and alive or calming and peaceful. Playing music in your home will shift the energy in your space and can soothe fried nerves. Make a ‘High Vibe Playlist’ on your phone that you can turn to when you need a lift, or if you play an instrument, sit down and let it move you.
3. Jump
Rebounding is a low impact aerobic exercise that is performed while jumping on a mini trampoline. Besides getting your heart pumping it builds healthy muscles and bones, as well as improves your balance and flexibility. It also increases lymphatic drainage and can help to release tension, increase blood flow to muscles and the brain, thereby relieving pain and headaches often associated with stress. Like other forms of exercise, rebounding triggers the release of endorphins, which are feel good chemicals. Going against gravity with the up and down motion circulates oxygen to all the tissues and creates stronger nerve pathways between the left and right brain. Not only is rebounding an effective and efficient form of exercise, it’s also fun to do. Try to be in a bad mood while jumping. If you don’t have access to a rebounder, just gently jump up and down on the balls of your feet letting your body be loose and floppy or give a skipping rope a try for the same benefits.
4. Get Grounded in Nature
In today’s world, we spend too much time indoors and disconnected from the earth. Shinrin-yoku, aka Forest Bathing in Japanese, is a practice of therapeutic relaxation where one spends time in a forest or natural environment, focusing on sensory engagement to connect with nature to calm the nervous system and nourish the soul. There is nothing more profound than experiencing the shift of energy that happens when entering a forest or even a quiet park. It’s as though it embraces you, reminding you, that you are never truly alone and renews you by attuning you to the earth’s natural rhythms. Taking a walk under the stars, feeling the wind on your face or walking barefoot on the grass may be all it takes for you to reconnect with nature. Next time you are in a green space observe your senses and notice what you see, hear, smell, taste and feel. Be present to the healing nature of Mother Earth. Take in the first morning sun or see a sunset every day for one week and notice how you feel.
5. Clutter Clear Your Space:
Science has revealed that clutter can cause detrimental effects on your physical and mental health. Clutter shows up in our homes, offices, cars, and even our email inboxes. Clutter can make it difficult to relax, creating feelings of guilt and reminding us that our work is never done. It could also influence our relationships and create social isolation as a person may not want to invite others over due to the shameful feelings clutter can produce. Clutter can interrupt the ‘Feng Shui’ or flow in a person’s life, acting like a dam that blocks both their ability to move and think. Make a commitment today to get rid of unnecessary ‘stuff’ and organize your belongings to make room for what you truly want. In my practice, when evaluating clients and their levels of stress, life satisfaction, physical health, and cognition, they all speak to the value of streamlining. It’s amazing how good it can feel to simply clean out your fridge or detail your car. If you are already feeling overwhelmed, simply choose one small area to clear first, like the messy sock drawer. Break each area down into bite-sized chunks.
Clutter Test: As you pick up each item ask: 1) Does it lift my energy when I think about it or look at it? 2) Do I absolutely love it? 3) Is it genuinely useful?
When life appears out of control, we must look at what we can control. These self-care practices are easy ways to give yourself the emotional and physical nourishment you need.
