Each month we’ll bring you a note from one of our therapists. It might be something they’re reading, learning or just something they want to share.
This month’s note is from Lindsay Brown PT, MPT:
I am no stranger to chaos. As a full-time working mother of 5 growing children, a wife, and a proud owner of a hobby farm acreage supporting over 70 animals, I have a lot going on all the time. With this much on my plate, I have found that I NEED to practice daily self-care in order to be healthy in my mind and body. Otherwise, my to-do list could hijack my mind and tie my stomach into a stress knot. Maybe you can’t relate with my particular situation, but we all have servings of life on our plate that can reach a jumbled, overflowing mess.
So, today, I will share with you a few tips that I have learned and practiced that have helped me in my life to be present, organized, and grounded (calm).
- Mind dump. I write down everything I need to do onto a master list separated into categories: personal, family, work, so it’s not circulating around in my mind continuously.
- Prioritize. I choose 3 things I’m going to do each day to mark off my list.
- Hydrate. I make sure to drink a minimum of 48 oz of water per day to keep my systems running smoothly.
- Alone Time. I wake up early in the morning to have alone time—anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes
- Intentional Movement. I perform stretches, gentle yoga postures, intentional breathing/meditation, and postural exercises each morning during my alone time.
- Connect with Nature. Whether I’m gazing at the moon, taking a walk outside, observing a bee, petting a goat, or collecting eggs—being in nature makes me feel focused and present, grounded, and unhurried.
I hope anything I’ve shared may help you on your journey. For further reading and ideas, I recommend The Art of Extreme Self-Care:12 Practical and Inspiring Ways to Love Yourself More by Cheryl Richardson.