If the tasmanian devil were personified as a year – the year would be 2020, let’s keep it 125 percent! This year has been an absolute whirlwind of change in the WORST of ways. Though many of us have been able to find a silver-lining, Covid-19 has been nothing short of destructive and disruptive.
As a twenty-something, I’ve felt particularly deprived this year. When given the choice of protecting myself and family, or having fun with friends, I often chose protection. It hasn’t been easy, but there are certain things you just don’t budge on. Especially when lives are quite literally at stake. For those of you who have had to turn down dates, birthday celebrations, vacations, and more in this past year, pat yourself on the back for your sacrifice. Your actions, no matter how big or small, have made the world safer, and you should be proud of that!
If you’re hoping to do better, but have been erring on the side of masklessness and shenanigans, please be safe! And keep in mind your health and the health of others. One of the biggest challenges of this time is collaboration, and we really need for everyone to be unified if we’re gonna stop this thing! In the meantime, here are some practices to keep you sane, strong, and grounded as we enter the winter. There have been many warnings of a second wave of cases, so prepare to hunker down for these next few months..
Here are a few practices to keep you grounded:
Boundary Setting
Just because we’ve switched gears now into a virtual world, doesn’t mean that anyone should have complete access to you 24/7. Period. This of course excluded emergencies and medical related things, but aside from that – you should assert proper boundaries around your communication. This will look different for each person, but some examples include: no work calls after 6pm, one day a week to blackout(no personal calls, texts, etc.), even carving out a few hours a day where your phone is on DND can be helpful.
Get creative with protecting your peace! You’re truly the only one that can, and you’ll thank yourself for it. You’ll notice that with proper boundaries, you’ll feel more in control of your life, feel more organized, and you’ll ultimately have more energy to get things done. So prop up some boundaries and thank me later!
Physical Exercise
So, to be completely transparent, I can hardly speak from experience when it comes to consistent physical exercise. Even knowing all of the benefits, something about this year kept me from being as active as I would’ve like. But, a few days ago, I went on a run just because; no time constraints, distance goals, nothing. I just threw on some workout gear and went for it.
In the days after, I felt encouraged and strengthened from using my legs and body to power through my workout. I felt motivated throughout the day, my appetite increased (in a good way), and it helped to effectively open my chest and heart space. Using your body in this way can be one of the best grounding activities; it urges being present, uses all of your body and mind, and it keeps you connected to the earth. Other alternatives are cardio exercises, ab/core work, running on a treadmill or elliptical, or even online yoga classes. Each discipline empowers grounding in a different and unique way.
Affirmations
Affirmations are a collection of words that you repeat out loud, that have lasting effects on improving your mood, confidence, and overall your life. In my opinion, they’re one of the easiest ways to turn your life around, in that they’re simple, easy, and only require consistency. Let’s create a few affirmations together, and then I’ll give you a list of grounding affirmations for you to use freely.
Type 1 – I, (insert name here), am ___________________________ (words that encourage bravery)
Type 2 – I, (insert name here), am magnetizing (opportunities, people, and things specific to you)
Type 3 – I, (insert name here), am divinely _____________ (protected, guided, blessed, or another word of your choosing)
It’s recommended that you include your name in your affirmations to further deepen the connection with your subconscious mind, where all the magic happens. You should also say them out loud, to magnify the effect. And if you want to take it a step further, you can say them to yourself in the mirror and boost your confidence even more. Start light – 1 affirmation per day, every day, and keep growing your daily affirmations at your own speed. Your life will improve incredibly, and you’ll have yourself to thank for it.
Other Grounding Affirmations:
- My feet support me on my journey with ease. I walk with confidence, grace, and intention. Nothing can stop me from pursuing my purpose!
- My beautiful melanin is as rich and nourishing as the soil beneath my feet. I am uniquely and powerfully connected to the earth. I am grounded!
- Nothing can sway me from my path to success! No matter what, I stay positive and grateful, knowing that everything is working out for me.
- With every breath I take, I am more present. Each time my heart beats, I grow in my confidence. I am powerfully rooted and destined to rise.
Meditation
One last way to get grounded, is to turn everything else off and meditate. For that reason, I created a grounding meditation to help you out! See below a brief guided meditation that will leave you feeling energized, empowered, and ready to grow. Enjoy!
