Rejuvenate your soul this weekend!

Do you ever feel too busy to take even a single moment of time out of your hectic day just for yourself? Have you been constantly searching for more time in the day because you run out of time to get everything done?

I expect that most everybody has ‘time management’ problems at one point or another in their lifetime simply because we fill our lives with too big a ‘To Do’ list and then frantically scramble trying to cross everything off that list every day.

But what cost to our inner peace and our soul’s inspiration do these stressful days cause?

I had one of those stressful days recently, and I decided to take just 20 minutes to write in my journal. I knew in my heart it would be good for my soul and time well spent as I truly enjoy the peace I feel from doing this simple activity. I have been trying to plan more time to feed my soul every day by doing activities like writing, reading, and being creative, but as with most changes that we try to make, I find myself challenged many days to meet my goal.

So, Here are some tips that may help you to get in tune with your inner self again,....

Six activities to inspire and rejuvenate your soul in just 20 minutes:

1. Take a short walk. Walking can clear your mind and is good for your body and soul. You can walk while listening to music, an audiobook, an inspirational podcast, or just your own thoughts. A walk in a new place can give you perspective beyond what you’ve seen driving in your car. I notice so many more details when walking, like beautiful landscaping, gorgeous flower beds or details on houses in my neighborhood that I’ve never noticed before. Walking is a great way to slow down the pace of life, see the same old place in a new way, or just get in touch with your inner self.


2. Get outdoors. Another activity that is good for both your body and soul is to simply go outside your home or office and breathe in some fresh air. Feel the breeze on your face and soak in some sunshine. Simply enjoy the day and marvel at the beauty of Mother Nature. Or do another inspirational activity while you’re outside, such as writing, journaling, stretching, yoga, reading a book or magazine, or meditating. Just enjoying being outside in the fresh air for 20 minutes can really shift your perspective.


3. Practice gratitude. Focusing on gratitude wakes you up to the precious, small pleasures in life, like the flowers that are blooming or someone’s simple kind gesture. There are several ways to practice gratitude. You can write in a journal a few things that you are grateful for and why, write a thank you card to someone, or plan a fun gift or activity for yourself or a loved one to show your gratitude. You can even practice a random act of kindness to a stranger to foster feelings of gratitude within yourself.
   


4. Write. Studies have shown that writing just 20 minutes a day for four consecutive days can provide positive health benefits for up to six weeks. You can learn more about this technique by reading Louise DeSalvo’s book, “Writing as a Way of Healing.” In her book, she explains the process that should be followed to experience health benefits which has three components: you should write about 1) a traumatic or challenging event in your life; 2) the feelings you had at that time, and 3) the feelings you have now about that experience. All three components should be included in your writing to get the maximum benefit. Another thing I like to do is to write in different places, such as outside or at a coffeehouse, to see what inspiration comes from being in a new environment.


5. Read. Read inspirational stories, fiction, non-fiction, or anything else that interests you. Rejuvenate your soul, expand your perspective and relax all at the same time by reading. I often carry a book or magazine with me so I have it available if I have some unexpected time or find myself waiting in line for a doctor’s appointment etc.


6. Be creative. The act of creation reveals your soul’s innermost desires. Ideas and talents that are uniquely yours will be realized when you create. Whether your passion lies in music, art, writing, redecorating a room in your home, starting a new business, or any other artistic pursuit, you will experience inspiration and can share your unique creations with others if you desire. Or be creative just for yourself by writing personal affirmations to review often for your ongoing inspiration and personal growth.

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, overworked or stressed, take a break and spend 20 minutes doing one of these six activities.

Change is the only constant recurrent we find in nature, change by choice makes all the difference,...

Enjoy your weekend,

Leo