Hello, Lovely One!
It was my pleasure to lead 2 groups of employees from the Embarrass River Basin Agency in a yoga class as part of their recent training session. I love the work they do and was delighted to be a small part of the way their leaders chose to express their appreciation for all they do.
What they are doing is soooo important, and I was so happy to be able to share some ways to take better care of our body and spirit. These ideas are not unique to me, but they are things that I do that have been very helpful.
I thought maybe you would all find them useful, so here we go…….
Ten Tips to Live a Different Way
Tip One…. Start your morning right. Begin a morning routine that allows some margin to set your heart and mind in the right direction before you begin your day. Perhaps even consider getting up 15 minutes before anyone else in your house.
- Don’t pick up your phone.
- Sit outside if possible or in your favorite chair.
- Connect with the one who made you.
Tip Two…..Keep a gratitude journal. There is all kinds of research documenting all the ways that being thankful is beneficial for us. Science is once again proving what God already told us. Personally, writing down the things I am thankful for has helped me to realize how much God loves me and that changes everything, friend!
Sidebar: Want to read more about gratitude? https://avintagefarmwife.com/grateful-on-mission/
Tip Three….Pick a devotional, the Bible or inspirational book and read something in it every day. Flood your mind with truth before the world fills it with struggle.
Tip Four… Repeat positive affirmations…..We are creating our world with the words we speak and the thoughts we think. It might be time to change some of them.
Tip Five….Use 100 % pure essential oils. The amygdala is the center of the brain that stores our memories and emotions and it is affected by smells. Using oils is a way to help deal with our junk. And when combined with prayer and movement…you have a powerful combination! Where you get your oils is EVERYTHING because the world is full of junk oils that have no therapeutic value. Let me know if you are interested in learning about the oils I recommend and love.
Sidebar: Read more about my fav essential oils here: https://avintagefarmwife.com/i-cant-keep-my-mouth-shut-about-young-living-essential-oils/
Tip 6…. Use Anchor Thoughts….When your brain shifts onto your worry list, or anxious thoughts, one way to combat that is by using Anchor Thoughts. Select one of your affirmations, a Bible verse, or an inspirational quote. Speak truth to yourself and get your thoughts back under control.
Tip 7….Develop a teachable spirit….Develop a growth plan and become a lifelong learner. Approach life with open hands and an open heart to learn the lessons of the people God brings in your path.
Tip 8….Forgive yourself and others….keep your grudge list short….you can only control YOU. Holding a grudge and unforgiveness is only hurting you, so do what you need to do to get OVER IT. Speak to a pastor, a therapist, a wise person in your life, make amends, let it go. What “they” think is their own business. When you have done the RIGHT thing, move forward.
Tip 9…. Use your breath to help calm you. It is a gift from the father. Our first breath is a gift from above and every one after until our last. Sit in silence and take full complete inhales and exhales, meditate on THE truth. Wise people say prayer is talking to God and meditation is listening to God. Let’s be listeners.
Tip 10….Move your body….exercise….the body keeps the score…we MUST take care of ourselves so we can do the work God has planned for us so we can receive the blessings that will come with it.
Friends, I hope these ideas are beneficial to you as they are to me! I would love to know what practices you follow to help you manage stress and not turn into a puddle of tears or a screaming monster when things get nuts. Please share in the comments!
And one more thing, have you joined us in Morning Exhale on facebook? We would love to have you with us on Wednesday mornings as we talk about how the Lord is teaching and moving in our lives. Ask to join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/182232519190929/?ref=bookmarks
May God Bless you with all his abundance!
Dolores Barni says
I gain peace when upset by taking a deep breath and ask God to let His holy spirit enter my mind. I ask for what I want or need and receive calmness and peace soon after. It always works for me!
Susan says
I love this idea, Dolores! Thank you for sharing!!