10 Steps to Relaxing & Reenergizing Through Crisis
“In the current times, we are faced with several striking crises in American, and global society. The rules and “the way things were” are of the past and a new, revolutionary spirit is in the air while we face down a global viral pandemic. In these times it takes very little to feel drained, overwhelmed, and frankly, tired.”
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Through years of protests & demonstrations- I learned exactly what I needed during long bouts of stressful activities; I needed more than rest, I needed rehabilitation. So here are 10 ways I get that energy back and relieve the lingering existential anxieties of the world at the moment.
1. Eat Well
“Food is thine medicine.”, said Hippocrates, and this is why you should eat regular balanced meals through this time. THose finding themselves at Marches and protests may find that they are needing more food than usual due to burning tons of calories int he streets- that’s ok, you need that food. Eating restorative foods such as green vegetables, root veggies, fruits and legumes with delicious herbal seasonings will help combat fatigue and soreness.
2. Sanctuary Sleep
Sleep is the most important ritual to your daily health. While we sleep, we heal, cleanse, and even create metabolic water in our bodies. SLeep can stave off contagions and heal emotional wounds. Sleep is necessary, but also a little extra sleep after a stressful week is even better. At least one night per week you should go to bed with the intention of not using an alarm or getting up too fast in the morning. Prepare the area with dimmed light and soft pillows with a bedside table for books, literature or games you may want to have in bed and a glass or bottle of water. When you wake up – be sure to fight the urge to rise immediately and relax for an hour in bed before rising. This prepares ou for the day, allows reflection, and allows for an extra nap if need be.
3. Hydrate
Water is the best thing you can drink to rehydrate but I will also say- naturally flaVORED WATERS, TEAS, JUICES, AND OTHER YUMMY DRINKS CAN ALSO AID IN HYDRATION. iCE CAN BE ADDED IN THE SUMMER TO KEEP YOU COOL AND ADD MORE WATER TO THE DRINK. rEHYDRATION IS KEY WHEN TO KEEPING YOUR BLOOD THE CORRECT CONSISTENCY, REGULATING YOUR BODY TEMPERATURE AND FIGHTING INFECTION SO BE SURE TO ENJOY SOME HYDRATING BEVERAGES.
4. Self Health Check-In
Be sure to take any medications regularly and see your therapists – even if its by online clinic. Of course, exercise regularly to keep the tension low. It is easy to say to “stay positive”- but more so you will want to check in with your self, your breathing and your body- stretching, breathing exercises (see below) and meditating can help with feelings of anxiety and depression. Check your temperature, blood pressure, do a simple body check-in, making sure you are not having symptoms of COVID or other illness or injury. If you do have some concerns, online clinics are ready and willing to help you without the risk of going to the hospital.
5. Self Reflection
Replaying and reanalyzing the events of the day can over whelm a person, however working through the memories with a notion of overcoming the issues you saw and reflecting on what could have been made better- is both restorative and motivating for activists and those in isolation at the moment.
6. Self Celebration
Music, balloons, pizza, …dance! Throw yourself a little party with your favorite foods, music, and activities. Like fashion? Dressup! Like movies? Watch your favorites! Like cooking? Make all your favorites! Its all about you and making yourself feel better after donating your time/energy to the cause. It is OK- to have happiness in a personal and meaningful way. Engage your energy in your favorite hobbies and embrace the life energy within you. Remember, through all this death- you are still here.
7. Breathing Time
It is important always to breathe correctly, in fact most of us do not breathe properly at all times. Before bed or your meditation session take time in a quiet place to practice slow breathing. You should take slow inward breaths which last 10-20 seconds each with the release being the same. The practice of disciplined breathing goes along with most relaxation and meditation practices.
8. Rehabilitating Bath
After marches and rallies its a great time to rehab those legs by soaking them in warm water with Epsom salts. Add a touch of relaxing and/or natural anti-inflammatory essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, or holy basil for a next-level spa experience. Soak for 10-20 minute, neck-deep in the bath. My favorite bath recipe is below:
Simple Restorative Bath
2 cups Epsom salts
7 Sprays of Magic Mist
OR
2 cups Epsom Salts
4 drops lavender oil
3 drops sweet orange oil
5 drops peppermint OR eucalyptus oil
*BONUS: Add some bubbles!
9. Super Stretching
You do not have to be a yoga master to get all the benefits of a good super-stretch routine. Stretching is instinctive because our muscles get sore from overuse and extended use. The difference between regular stretching and rehabilitative (Super) stretching is kneading, hold length, and intensity. Super stretching is a rehabilitative stretch that includes self-massage and longer hold time, much like yoga. As you stretch muscles, you will knead the muscle until it becomes more limber and less tense. This increases blood flow, relieving lactic acid build-up, and helps along with the repair of mild injuries. For a VIP experience, add some Sympath TIncture or Balm at the end for natural herbal pain relief and muscle relaxation.
10. Practice Makes Perfect
Most anxieties we suffer from that create depressive minds- are things we either cannot control or are inevitable. Take the time to practice these items once a week and you will see results. It may take time, but like all talents, relieving the kind of overarching anxiety of the current moment is not hopeless. You are a human reacting to a variable and violent reality- be patient with yourself, learn humility and broaden your visions of the future.
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