How was your Labor Day weekend? Long, I hope. Don’t you think every weekend should be three days? I think a four-day workweek would really revolutionize the American workplace culture. I, for one, would be ten times more productive.
Aaaaanyway, it is hot here in NYC y’all. At least, as far as September temps go. And as much as I’d like to cannonball myself into the closest pool, or chill out in Italy for 10 days (ahem), it’s unfortunately not an option due to the aforementioned workweek.
When the weather’s warm, we want to feel lighter, cooler, airier. We do this by wearing less clothes, eating salads, sweating, etc. etc. But recently I’ve come to learn (thanks to Danielle LaPorte and The Desire Map … much more to come on that) that I desire to feel light all year long, not just when it’s hot outside. I don’t mean light as in a number on the scale, but more so within my own body. Does that make sense? I want to feel less worry, less negativity, less heavy stuff. It’s not something tangible, but a feeling – a good one. I’ve been thinking about it a lot, and have recently taken some steps toward feeling lighter; see below. Oh, p.s., feeling lighter in a figurative sense also gives you a good shot at feeling lighter literally. Thanks to our hormones, when we drop a lot of stress, negativity and other ugly stuff weighing us down, we’re likely to shed some pounds, too. Bonus!
It’s such a simple concept, that it seems almost too simple. By lightening up and clearing out the clutter, we can actually feel lighter. That’s mindfulness at work. Here are eight ways to lighten up, thus helping you feel, well, lighter.
1. Clean out your closet. The most obvious tactic for clearing clutter, and for good reason. Just do it, you’ll feel better. Sell, donate, throw out, whatever. Just do it.
2. Get a haircut. Odd choice here, I know. But it’s amazing how amazing a good haircut can make you feel. Not only will it cut your blow dry time (hello, morning workout), but you’ll feel renewed and confidant.
3. Keep a journal. All those thoughts can weigh heavy on your mind. Let em’ out! Writing down your experiences and your reactions to them may not only relieve some stress, but will also provide insight into why you’re feeling that way.
4. Do yoga. This may be an obvious choice for some, but for others who think yoga is all about getting your zen on, it’s so much more than that. Yoga can be about anything you want it to be. Maybe you’ll learn to breathe, or just get a good stretch. Either way, I guarantee after developing a regular practice, you’ll feel lighter upon each session.
5. Do something nice for someone else. This could be as simple as a text to a friend or family member to say hi or tell them you love them. It could also be volunteering or cooking dinner for someone who could use a nice meal. Maybe it’s as simple as smiling at a stranger or asking the cashier at your grocery checkout how his or her day was. Whatever is, committing an act of kindness almost always makes you feel lighter.
6. Drink water. This one’s a no-brainer. More water in the body = less crap in the body. Water flushes those toxins right out. Not your cup of … er, water? No one said it couldn’t be tasty. Infuse it with berries, cucumber, fresh mint, basil or lemon.
7. Be present. You may be thinking, “we just took a weird turn, can’t I stop at cleaning my closet?” You could, but if you really want to feel lighter, you have to stop thinking about all that HEAVY shit. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for dreamin’ big. But I also believe that we tend to bet way too much on goals, expectations and the future. When we over-plan, over-think and over-expect, we may miss all the wonderful stuff that’s happening in the mean time. Also, see #3. That’ll help.
7. Insert your trigger here. Find out what and where makes you feel lighter. For me, it’s after a run or yoga, at the beach, wearing a great outfit, or feeling loved: whether that’s laughing with my best friends, Christmas eve with family, coming home to my dog after work, or developing a relationship with someone great. Hint: try one, some, or all of the above steps, and see where they get you. When you feel really happy, like on-cloud-nine happy, that’s what to hold on to.
So, what got you there? Tell me below, pretty please!
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