6 Ways to Reconnect with Yourself

We can all agree that 2020 hasn’t been easy for many of us. This year has forced us to learn how to reconnect with ourselves. It has made us hold our loved ones tighter. And it has also given us a new appreciation for Mother Nature and how easily she become imbalanced.

In this ‘new normal’, we have become even more conscious of our mental and physical wellbeing. And we’ve turned to ancient teachings and daily lifestyle practises to maintain these core pillars in our lives.

Remember, a healthy you starts from within. Below are 6 simple actions you can take to nurture your mind, body and soul each day.

1. Get outdoors

Summer is here and there’s no better time to get outside and soak up the sunshine vitamin. Helping us to maintain healthy bones, muscles, teeth and skin, Vitamin D naturally assists us in sustaining a healthy mind, body and soul. So, make the most of the early sunrises, late sunsets and hot sunny days while they’re here.

2. Practice Mindfulness  

Get happier and healthier. Mindfulness means being fully present and engaged in the moment and being aware of your thoughts and feelings without distraction. It’s a time to switch off and shut down. It’s as easy as putting your electronic devices down and being with yourself and loved ones without ringtones, texts or alerts. It’s time to be more present and learn how you can better show up in life, for yourself and for others.

3. Respect the gut-brain connection

Is there such a thing as good bacteria? Absolutely. Probiotics contain good bacteria that keep a healthy balance in your gut. A troubled intestine can send signals to the brain, just as a troubled brain can send signals to the gut. Here are 5 probiotic powerhouses to include in your diet to support digestive health:

  1. Coconut yogurt: a creamy vegan yoghurt packed full of probiotics, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats
  2. Sauerkraut: finely cut raw cabbage that’s been fermented to release good bacteria
  3. Kombucha: a fermented drink made from sweetened tea and a specific culture known as a ‘scoby’
  4. Tempeh: A traditional Indonesian food made from fermented soybeans
  5. Raw Probiotics Biotic Ferment: A 2-in-1 formula with 3 Billion probiotics plus prebiotics purely from organic fermented whole foods to provide the ultimate digestive support.

Couple walking on the beach

4. Kick your shoes off 

Keep your toes spread and feet grounded. Once a day, kick off your shoes and walk outside. Feel the sand between your toes and the grass under your feet. Reconnect with mother nature and reconnect with yourself. ‘Grounding’ may help neutralise free radicals, improve sleep, reduce stress and improve inflammation and immunity. The earth is alive and how can you protect her if you don’t even know her? 

5. Practice Meditation 

As always, consistency is key. Meditation continues to grow in popularity as people continue to discover the benefits of daily practice. It can be the first thing you do when you wake up or the last thing you do before you go to sleep. As little as 5 minutes of mediation has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep and focus, and enhance overall wellbeing.

6. Develop your wind-down routine

The hour or two before you go to bed is the best time to signal to your body that it’s time for sleep. Switch off or silence your devices at least 1 hour before bed. Boil the kettle and enjoy a cup of camomile tea in bed or on the couch with a book or magazine. Roll out your yoga mat and breathe out your day. Spend a moment to think about what you’re grateful for. 10 slow breathes in, 10 slow breathes out…

 

Words by Dania Karmile

 

References 

https://www.headspace.com/  

https://www.monashfodmap.com/blog/gut-health-immunity/ 

https://www.fibrofix.com/blogs/news/health-benefits-of-grounding-earthing