Nervous System Love
We have found ourselves in quite strange times. I could go into detail, but is there really any need? Nah. This isn’t one of those “if you know, you know,” times. You know. The overwhelm is real. The uncertainty is glaring. And the change? Oh, it’s unfolded and it’s continuing to unfold. I’m here to tell you - have faith, this too shall pass. Call me an optimist, or call me determined. But, what it boils down to is that I’m a believer. I want you to be a believer too. We can get through this together. We ARE all connected. If this isn’t achingly apparent, please, I beg of you, fix your line of sight and think again. This situation knows no bounds, knows no skin color, no country of origin, no amount of money you have or don’t have. It’s here. It’s yelling - pay attention to the lessons.
Many of us have more time on our hands than we know what to do with. I urge you, don’t wash away this precious time with Netflix and scrolling through your phone. If you want to do those things with intention in mind, do them, but there is so much more, I promise. This isn’t a call for action in regards to you writing a screenplay, painting a Picasso or even finishing that basement project you’ve been putting off all winter. It’s more of a - how can we implement better practices and create the aura we want to charge forth with in the world - kind of thing. What can you implement in this moment that will make you better? What small practices would make drastic changes like these easier to tackle?
One thing I believe with all of my soul and have found time and time again to be true - to take care of yourself is to take care of others. And right now, our nervous systems are overwhelmed, bombarded and frazzled in very deep ways. We need to take care of them.
You don’t need fancy tools or crystals to calm your stresses. You don’t need expensive herbs and supplements, either. There are many tools we can use to greatly benefit ourselves in this time. There is peace to be found within this chaos. When we find this equilibrium, we are brought to new heights. A place where we are in the space to aid others too. That’s what we want here. That’s how we get out of this. Together.
Below are two different practices you can do right now in your home to ease your nervous system. Do them in succession or do them separately throughout the day. Repeat often and preferably daily.
Make yourself a cup of tea. Rosemary tea.
Rosemary [rosemary officinalis] is a lovely aromatic herb you more than likely have stocked in the depths of your spice cabinet right this moment. Yes, that rosemary. The one you sometimes stick into soups and stews and vegetables. Did you know this kitchen spice is also a medicinal herb that may aid you in a bounty of ways? Mmhmm. It’s true. Keep reading.
The actions of rosemary are far and wide. For now, in this moment, let’s focus on its mentally stimulating qualities. As this plant is of the mint family, it’s no surprise that there is a cerebrally invigorating effect with its use. It awakens your senses and can lighten anxiety. It’s calming and allows for that overworked nervous system to relax a bit while elevating the mood.
To make tea:
1 teaspoon of rosemary to a mug of freshly boiled water. Place lid atop mug while steeping for 8 minutes. Strain. Enjoy.
Slowly sip this tea. Enjoy it fully as you complete the next section.
[Pssssst. If you don’t have rosemary on your person, make any cup of tea or warm beverage that is soothing to you. Really. Anything. The idea behind this process is to get you grooving towards making this a practice. Now, onwards and upwards.]
2.) Breathe. No, not those shallow chest breaths. Breaaaaaaaaathe.
Humans are animals. In the case you forgot, I felt it was necessary to remind you. Surely you’ve watched an Animal Planet or Nature documentary, right? Think back to when the scene was of an animal who had just escaped a nasty animal kingdom fate. My mind personally goes to a scared, wild hare. Post-traumatic situation, these animals usually appear scared, trembling with shallow and short breathing patterns.
How often do you pay attention to your breathing? Have you thought that it’s quite possible you’ve been breathing differently than what is best for you over the past few weeks of life radically changing [or quite possibly even longer… life is stressful, it makes sense]? I’ll admit, my arm shot straight up.
That’s where we bring in the magic that is intentional breathing. But, breathing is compulsory? Oh yes, it is. But deeeeeeeep belly breaths aren’t when the body is under stress. This is important. Right up there with drinking enough daily water.
Exercise:
Sit down in a comfy spot.
Take a sip of that tea you made.
Fold your legs and close your eyes.
Count to 5 and fill your belly with a nice, long relaxing breath.
Pause for a moment.
Count to 5 as you exhale slowly. Make some noises as you do this. Let it all out. It feels good.
Repeat 5 times. On the 5th cycle, as you exhale, move your body around. Wiggle. Gyrate. Crack your neck. Do whatever you need to do to tame that tension and to get those tight feelings in your body, out. Saturate in the jello-like state you will be in after doing all of this. Give gratitude to yourself and your breath. No. Really. Tell yourself how amazing you are for sitting down for a few minutes to deeply breath. ‘Cause you are. Amazing.
Do this practice in the morning when you wake up and before you go to bed at night.
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Well, those are nice and simple and easy and don’t take too much work, yeah? Yeah. Take things slow. Be gentle with yourself. Incorporate practices such as these slowly into your life. Before you know it, it WILL be like breathing. You’ll be making teas and inhaling like Buddha without thinking twice.
Life can be that sweet stuff if you allow it.
Allow it.
