The other day I received the most thoughtful, sweet, heartwarming handwritten letter from a dear friend (I really believe that handwritten letters are a lost art). In this beautiful letter she told me that I have ‘this calming, serene nature that is hard to come by’.
This touched my heart in such a profound way. I actually do believe that calm is my superpower. My dear friend is not the first person to tell me that I have a very calm nature. Not to toot my own horn, but I do believe that this is what makes me a good yoga teacher and health coach.
However, this doesn’t mean I am always calm. In fact, if you know me, you know that I have struggled with anxiety for the majority of my life. I do believe that my natural state is calm, but at the same time I also sometimes find the fast speed of today’s world overwhelming and anxiety-provoking. I am a highly sensitive person.
But yes, most of the time I am calm. However, I also do daily practices to stay calm. Otherwise, it’s way too easy for me to get caught up in the business of today’s world. While I certainly don’t mind working long hours and having a full schedule, I don’t want to get caught up in the business of the world.
So, today I would like to share six practices to stay calm. I know there are many more practices you can do to stay calm, and I certainly do many other practices than the ones listed here. For instance, I didn’t include yoga on the list. However, as you probably know, yoga is one of the most important practices in my life. It brings me back to my center and to the present moment.
But, I decided to not include yoga on this list, simply because I talk so much about yoga, but there are so many other practices that I do daily that are just as important, and they deserve some stage time too 😉
6 practices to stay calm
Sauna
I have been babbling on about the sauna for a while now. I’ve been using our sauna for about 15 minutes every day, and I’m telling you it’s amazing! There is something about just sitting in the heat that just instantly relaxes me. The other day I felt a little rattled at the end of the day. I really needed to wind down. So, I got in the sauna for 15 minutes right before going to bed. I left my phone inside. I just sat there in the dark for 15 minutes with my eyes closed. I immediately felt so much more calm, and I slept so peacefully.
Hot pools
Until moving to New Zealand I had never been in a hot pool. Now, I’m kind of obsessed. Just like the sauna there is just something about being in the warm water that just calms you down. Also, you can’t bring your phone, and I personally love any excuse I have to be as far away from my phone as possible. We usually go to the hot pools once or twice a week.
We love going in the evening after work to wind down and just relax. I’m telling you, it’s amazing, and it’s so good for your skin. If you don’t have hot pools, a hot bubble bath or a hot shower would probably be the next best thing to do. But, if you live close to a hot pool, go! It’s honestly amazing!
Morning walks in nature
I talk about this all the time too, but my boyfriend and I go for a morning walk in nature every morning, and it’s honestly the best. I usually leave my phone at home (I prefer not to look at it in the morning), and I just enjoy being in nature and being with my boyfriend. We have so many deep conversations on these walks. I honestly love them so much. There is just something so calming about both walking and being in nature, and when you combine them it’s just magic.
Boundaries around my phone
You have probably noticed that I’m not particularly attached to my phone. In fact, I am known for taking forever to get back to my friends and family, I often leave my phone (or just forget it) at home, and I honestly don’t understand how people can spend hours on their phone (unless it’s an actual phone call). I guess you could say that I have strict boundaries around my phone, but to be completely honest, it’s not something I do very consciously. I really just don’t enjoy being on my phone, unless I have to.
I find that if I spend a lot of time on Instagram or just on my phone in general, I’m more anxious, less present and overall just less happy. I can’t tell you exactly how you should be around your phone, but having some kind of boundaries around your phone probably isn’t a bad idea.
Not feeding your fear/anxiety
This is a big one for me, and it’s also one I frequently ‘fail’ at. But I try my best to simply just not engage with my fear and anxiety. I allow my fear and anxiety to be there, but I try not to feed the feelings and thoughts. It can be so easy to go down the rabbit hole and allow your mind to spiral out of control.
However, it is rarely – if ever – productive or helpful. I feel my fear and anxiety. I acknowledge their presence. I also recognize that they most likely will always be there. I almost see them as old friends. However, I do not take their advice. I don’t let them dictate how I live my life.
I feel them, yes, but I live my life from a place of calm and faith.
Deep breathing
I think this one is universal, and it is always accessible to every single one of us. In every moment, no matter where you are, you can take deep breaths. Even if you are driving, you can take deep breaths. If you are in the middle of a conversation you can take deep breaths. Your breath is always there, and it can do wonders for you. Honestly, never underestimate the power of deep breaths.
I hope these practices for staying calm has left you feeling inspired.
Love,
Heidi
