A Guide for Daily Restoration
Sometimes you need to be intentional about taking the time to fill your bucket. I’ve gotten to the point at times where I mentally do not feel well, have a hard time focusing and everything is just piling up. These are the perfect moments to dedicate time for self-restoration, to recenter and get grounded again. These practices are all about calming the chaos, re-focusing, and re-engaging your spirit with inspiration.
Step 1: Set your Intentions
Commit to the experience (even if it’s for just an hour!) where the focus is on you, accepting the to-do list will be tackled later, the laptop is closed, the TV is off and you let the silence wash over you.
Step 2: Get comfy!
Get comfy and close your eyes, take a few deep breaths (In for 4 breaths, out for 4 breaths) and just be. If a scent or humming noise calms you, have had it! Calming your mind takes practice. Just giving this a try is a win worth celebrating!
Step 3: Calming Your Focus
Journal – Write your thoughts down, whatever they are. This is a judgment free space. Write messy, skip lines, draw pictures, doodle, get it all down on paper and out of your head.
Yoga/Meditation – this is a prime example of intention setting, deep breathing and focus all in one. There are guided videos online for free to try. Try not to let the words “Yoga/Meditation” intimidate you. If they do, break it down into just researching yoga and meditation to learn more about it. Any step in the right direction is progress.
Prayer – We can’t do this alone. Ask for additional strength and comfort. Open the Bible anywhere and see what there is to learn.
Be Still – Sit inside or outside and listen to the sounds around you. Have your coffee in silence while everyone else goes about their day.
Step 4: Re-engage Your Inspiration
Now with a calm mind, we can intentionally identify how to re-engage our spirit/energy/focus in a meaningful way.
Read from your favorite book. If you’re like me, I underline and mark up the good books and find inspiration in revisiting key messages.
Engage in something you find motivating whether it be online Ted Talks, a Bible Study, talking to a mentor, or reading motivational quotes. Anything that will give you that extra boost. I will often read through my notes from conferences and seminars I’ve attended to get re-inspired.
Step 5: Re-setting your intentions
Close by setting your intention for what needs to happen next, whether it be the rest of today or tomorrow. Is tomorrow a ‘get stuff done’ kinda day? Or perhaps it’s a day full of meetings where you can intentionally commit to not getting actual work done and allow yourself to be fully present in each meeting. Maybe tomorrow is a day dedicated to a friend, your kids, your partner or even yourself again!
Allowing yourself to wind down takes self-awareness and practice. when your first time isn’t perfect, celebrate taking a step in the right direction.
Happy Restoration!