Here are three quick tips to instantly reduce stress and help ground yourself again:

  1. Box Breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, and hold your breath for 4 seconds again. Repeat until you feel yourself calming and grounding down.
  2. Splash Cold Water on Your Face: This stimulates your vagus nerve through the anastomosis (cross-connection) with the facial nerve. The vagus nerve is considered the main nerve representing the parasympathetic nervous system, signaling throughout our body that we are in a safe place so resources are directed into digestion and healing. The facial nerves cross-connection the vagus nerve explains why smiling or laughing makes us feel good.
  3. Take a Walk on Uneven Terrain: Put on your shoes and head out for a walk on uneven terrain, preferably a trail. This stimulates your entire proprioception (the system that tells your brain where your body is in space) and activates your lymph system helping you to flush your body. Compared to other “tubes” in the body, the lymph system is completely relying on movement to function properly. If possible, choose a path through the forest. The scents of the trees stimulate your immune system, and the color green activates your liver function—a great balance during this indulgent time.

Walking through the forest, witnessing various mushrooms, listening to bird songs, and observing rain or dew hanging from branches reflecting the beauty of the magical forest surroundings is my favourite way to ground and become present with my thoughts. I hope you find some rest this season and can incorporate these tools into your life regularly.

xo

Isabel