Right now, there are numerous and diverse difficulties going on in the world around us and most likely, our own life as well. Though we can't control most of these circumstances, there is power in being able to find rest and restoration during difficult periods.
Here are 5 tools to find rest, restoration and calm.
1) Look at the sky
I have this funny habit of looking at the ground too much when I walk. According to neuroscientist and psychogeographer Colin Ellard, this is very common. Dr. Ellard states that,
“The majority of our interactions with the world focus on a small part of our visual fields and almost always towards the horizon or at what’s right in front of us.”
For an easy way to change your thought patterns, try looking up next time you go outside. Spend time appreciating it for a few moments. Watch the clouds move if it’s cloudy. If there are no clouds, search for all the edges of the sky. If it’s night, observe the stars sparkle.
2) Schedule a chat with a friend or family member
Sometimes, it helps to get out of our own head and lives by reaching out to someone else. When’s the last time you talked to your cousin on your mom’s side? Or your funny uncle on your dad’s? You most likely have one family member that you used to know when you were younger well. Or maybe, one that you don’t know well enough. Choose someone, then Facebook or e-mail them and ask if they’re available for an evening video chat or call to catch up next week. You’ll most likely feel more grounded and content afterward.
3) Identify the catalyst
A technique called the 5 Whys — invented by Sakichi Toyoda — can help you to identify if there is one major thing causing most of the distress. The method is stated simply:
"When a problem occurs, you drill down to its root cause by asking 'Why?' five times."
If you are able to find the main catalyst, or root cause, that awareness can sometimes help on its own. Though, to take it even further, it can bring countermeasures into the picture to reduce stress through preventative measures. This technique is usually best done with someone else, or through writing in a journal to help your thoughts get fully expressed.
4) Visualize a few years from now
Look to the future and envision your life in a few years. Visualization is a well-known technique for good reason… it works. Maybe there is a mountain to climb to get there, but if you just take one step after another, in time, you’ll arrive. Bring your mind back to that place as often as possible. Even if that place is just a state of mind. As Albert Einstein once said,
“Visualization is more important than knowledge.”
5) Drink a calming beverage
Lastly, staring off into the distance while sipping a warm beverage can help bring you clarity and peace in a few minutes. At Dream Tea, we're a big fan of moon milk and most other warm beverages, and like to utilize it as a daily ritual. Moon milk itself is great because it doesn't include any caffeine and includes many other benefits like antioxidants and tryptophan to help you relax.
I hope you enjoy these tips and create your own calm.
-Stephanie