Lately, I’ve been feeling like my nervous system is out of whack. I’ve been spending more time in the sympathetic nervous system—fight or flight mode—and not enough time tapping into the parasympathetic side (rest & digest/ stay & play mode). I’ve realized I haven’t been giving myself the chance to slow down and truly restore. So, I want to share what I’ve been doing that isn’t helping, and how I plan to switch things up to better support my body and mind.

Moving My Body

One of the first things I’ve noticed is that I haven’t been moving my body like it’s been craving to. Exercise has always been something that makes me feel strong, energized, and grounded, whether it’s a walk, a run, or a workout. But lately, I’ve been making excuses about being too busy (which is true, life is hectic), and skipping my movement sessions. Now, I’m intentionally carving out time to get back into my routine because I know how good it makes me feel. Even if this looks like just running around the backyard my pup after work, getting extra steps in throughout the day, or having a mini dance party – it doesn’t have to be a full-blown workout. Just moving in a way that feels intuitive and good to my body can be SO beneficial, helping move stagnant energy and releasing tension and stress.

Eating Whole Foods

Another area that needs attention is my diet. I’ve been eating out more often, opting for processed foods, and not taking the time to cook wholesome meals. This has likely thrown my gut microbiome out of balance, which impacts not only my physical health but also my mental well-being. So, I am (re)committing to incorporating a greater variety of whole foods into my diet, cooking more at home, and diversifying what I eat. I am less focused on cutting things out, and more focused on bringing things in. I’m not giving up any of my comfort foods, but instead I am adding in more nourishing foods that sustain my mind and body. By focusing more on adding what my body needs, I notice that I naturally cut back on things my body doesn’t need. However, it allows me the freedom to still indulge in foods that nourish my soul (& tastebuds!) without shame or guilt. I’ve found that an additive mindset with food has been so much more beneficial for me than a restrictive mindset, and I encourage you to try it out if that resonates with you.

Side note: One of my long-term goals is to sync my nutrition with my menstrual cycle, eating specific foods that support my body’s needs at different times of the month (more on this later!). But for now, I’m focused on just getting back to eating real, nourishing food.

Meditating and Journaling

This is a big one for me. When I meditate regularly, I notice a huge difference in my mental health, thought patterns, patience, and overall vibration. Even just 5 to 10 minutes of stillness makes a world of difference. When I was starting out, I used to listen to guided meditations. Now I lead my own meditation most days, although if I find I am having a difficult time focusing, I still may opt for a guided practice. After meditating, I often like to journal—whether it’s gratitude, reflections, or whatever comes through in the moment. No matter if it’s a few sentences or a few pages, I almost always feel better after journaling.

Gratitude, especially when things feel chaotic, helps me ground myself and remember how beautiful life is. It’s something I try to incorporate into my daily routine, even on the hard days. You can write it down, say it out loud, listen to pre-recorded gratitude affirmations online – whatever works for you. After a while of doing this practice consistently, I definitely notice a shift in my overall mindset and demeanor. Just expressing 3-5 gratitude thoughts each day can make a huge difference.

Dancing It Out

Dancing is something I used to do a lot more often, and it’s a powerful tool for improving mental health. Just putting on some music and dancing around my apartment used to be a go-to release for me, and I haven’t been doing that lately. I’m bringing it back because dancing just for fun, without caring how I look, is such a great way to reconnect with my body and lift my spirits. You get to move your body, have fun, AND boost your mood. You can decide if you want to listen to something slow and sensual, or upbeat and high-energy – let your mood dictate your music! Singing & dancing is such a powerful way to regulate our nervous systems, and I’m excited to bring this practice back into my life more often.

Connecting with Nature

Spending time in nature is another thing that’s fallen by the wayside lately. During the week, I’m mostly indoors. But recently I went to a park with my family and climbed some trees with my young nieces and I had SO much fun. I had forgotten how much I love to play in this way and connect with Mother Earth. Walking barefoot on the dirt, touching and climbing trees, feeling the elements on my skin, and being in the moment. Nature is an incredibly powerful healing tool that is almost always accessible to us, but we often forget to tap into this source in our daily lives.

This can be difficult when you work full-time indoors like I do. But, that just means I need to be more intentional. Whether it’s a weekend hike, meditating outside before or after work, or simply sitting in my backyard with my dog, I’m making it a priority to connect with nature more regularly.

Playing and Creating

As adults, we often forget to play, but it’s so important for our well-being. Whether it’s painting, writing poetry, singing, or even doing a puzzle, play allows us to enjoy the moment without worrying about the outcome. I want to bring more play into my life, just for fun – not for productivity. I’ve been so focused on my business ideas and other responsibilities that I haven’t made time to just enjoy life for the sake of enjoyment. But I’m reminding myself that it is important to play and laugh and enjoy the moments, too. Life was not meant to be a constant cycle of production and burn-out. We’re here to enjoy life, not just live it.

Nourishing Friendships

Lastly, I’ve realized that I’ve been missing quality time with friends and family. Between starting my business, finishing my doula training, and managing all my projects, I’ve unintentionally neglected my relationships. I’m craving more friend time—real, deep connections with people who uplift me. I’m planning to make time for social activities, even just cooking a meal together, going for a hike, or simply hanging out. Friendship is such a crucial part of feeling supported and grounded, and I’m ready to nurture that area of my life again.

These are the main areas I’m focusing on right now to bring more balance into my life. I’m excited to see how things shift as I prioritize movement, nourishment, mindfulness, play, nature, and friendships. Life gets busy, but taking time to care for my nervous system is worth it. Here’s to finding that balance!