Your Carry-on Care Package
Are you feeling a bit drained out, dissociated, lethargic or simply put “just out of it”?
Maybe you need this easy carry-on care package!
After high stimulation event such a festival, a meeting, a hectic deadline at work and even after a long vacation, it is essential to calm yourself down, and feel grounded.
These are the few things that have worked for me in the past and I am happy to lend some of them to you.
Here we go!
BREATHE
Sounds simple right? This may sound obvious, but honestly, it is something that we hardly ever regulate. The last few days would have involved a lot of running around, or hanging out with people, or if you chose to not celebrate, then a bit of being alone. Whatever your state of mind, sometimes all you need is to simply breathe.
Let’s try it out, shall we?
Sit in a comfortable position, I like to sit on the floor, cross legged. Close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths and notice the way you breathe, do you breathe through the chest or through your abdomen?
Notice that when you breathe in, your abdomen rises up and when you breathe out, your abdomen goes in. Try to regulate your breath this way. If you need some support, keep your hand on your stomach and try to consciously regulate it. Trust me after a bit your body will pick up.
Repeat this for 10 counts. And stay with it as much as you feel like it.
Try it out, and I’m sure you feel better!
The best part about this is that you can do this anywhere and at any time of the day. I would highly recommend doing this with your team at work for some time, it just sets the right mood for the day!
FLUSH OUT YOUR THOUGHTS
Sounds like fun right? It truly is liberating.
Let’s face it, your friends or colleagues may not be in the right mind to completely listen to all your thoughts about the weekend, just yet. They have their own post-festive slump to deal with, remember?
So be your own confidant!
Take a piece of paper or your notebook and just write! Flush it all out. The good, the bad and even the ugly. Write down everything you feel and think. Literally flush it all out on the piece of paper. And dont stop yourself if you feel like a bit of scribbling or doodling.
Be open to everything that your mind and heart feels like saying. Don't judge it. And be kind!
Again, this can easily be done anywhere and anytime!
GRATITUDE JOURNALLING
If you find it hard to write on a blank piece of paper, don’t worry! I have just the thing for you. Here is a list of simple prompts that you can write about. Make sure that you let all your thoughts flow freely.
Most importantly, be kind!
The last few days were _________________
I wish I could ___________________
I am grateful for ____________
I hate that _________________
I love that ________________
I appreciate myself for _____________
I am ________________
Once you’ve written it all down, read it back to yourself. And take note of how you feel. If you feel like writing more - go for it!
DOOOOOODLE AWAYYYY!
This is for all my fellow art lovers out there! Although non-artists can try it too!
Draw your feelings on the paper. These need not be fantastic pieces of art, but a doodle dump of everything that you are feeling. Use colours to denote different feelings. You can even use the above prompts to direct your doodling.
If you are doubtful about doodling then simply take a few colour pens and scribble. Draw loose circles, waves, shapes etc. Anything that makes you let go of any inhibitions or worries about your feelings.
And finally,
SWITCH OFF EARLY TODAY
If there is one thing I’d want you to definitely do from this list, it would be this one. I’m sure work would be crazy for a few of you, but try it out.
When I say switch off, I don't only mean sleep. I mean turning your attention off from all things digital and virtual, and focusing on your present, your surroundings. Along with your life being on an extreme, social media and information online has also been on a bit of a high these past days. Instead of scrolling away to see more Diwali pictures, turn it off and keep the phone away.
Take a hot bath or shower before you sleep, read a book, spend time with your kids (if you have them), or journal a little, breathe and switch off your system early today. Your nervous system and your body will thank you for it! Believe me!
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I hope you try out a few of these easy grounding practices to calm your post-festive nerves. If they’ve worked out for you, please let me know!
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See ya!
