10 Things...to do to Centre Yourself

We all get a bit overwhelmed in life.  Even those of us that think we are generally quite "Zen" like!

It's nice to have a few little tips up your sleeve for days when it all gets too much and you haven't the time to take a meditation/yoga class or if you're in the middle in your weekly shop.

Here's 10 things you can do to centre yourself quickly and easily, while busy at home or even while you're out and about.

3 Count Breath

This is the easiest one to do while out and about.  Inhale to the count of 3.  Hold the breath to the count of 3.  Exhale to the count of 3.  This can help focus and slow down your breathing and help to feel a bit calmer.


Mantra or Affirmation

Just a quick, positive statement that you can focus on, again to just help bring a little calm. Something along the lines of "This will pass" or "I feel calm".  Deceptively simple and effective.


Find Nature

Go for a little walk.  A local park is preferable but if there isn't one close enough even a quick walk around the block can help.  You will still sense the air and feel the daylight.


Do a Mundane Task

Cleaning is such a pain.  Except when you're thinking yourself around in circles over a problem or feeling stressed.  Get yourself out of your head by cleaning the bathroom, hoovering up or even de-cluttering a kitchen drawer.  A mundane job keeps your mind distracted giving your spirit a bit of a break!


Stretch

Stretching is awesome!  A great way to physically ground yourself and put your body back in touch with the spirit.


Write 

Sometimes, venting frustrations in writing is a great release.  Lists can also help focus you and help you feel a little bit more in control again.


Focus

Focus is probably the main feature in all the other things listed.  Focusing on something, takes you out of your head a bit. Whether it's preparing a meal, writing or cleaning, it's the focusing  that
is the key.

Gratitude

Take a minute to mentally give thanks for something.  If you hate your shopping trip, think about why you are able to shop.  Focus (again!) on the things to be thankful for about it.  Having people to buy for, money for the trip, how lovely it's going to be to get home!


Music

Sometimes when I feel scattered I put some "energising" music on...but that just makes me feel more agitated.  If you're in that state of mind, find some slow, peaceful music to help bring you back to a more gentle state of mind.  I always have a particular CD handy for such times.


Find an App

This one is a bit "out there".  There are lots of apps for your phone/tablet or computer that are a bit "zen" like.  Whether it's a sound board of natural sounds or some peaceful music, they can help to introduce a sense of calm.  I have one called Buddhist Meditation.  It's just a bell every few seconds for a certain amount of time.  Just a minute or two helps me feel centred again.


How about you?  Do you have a "go to" plan?  What do you do to help yourself centred?