Nourishing Through Times of Challenge

If your spark of hope and energy from the beginning of the year has dwindled, here are a few invitations to nourish and revive your spirit. 

This year has brought on much uncertainty and challenge. It can be normal to feel tired, unsettled and overwhelmed.

Here are two tools to help you nourish emotions and uncover joy so you can keep your hope and energy alive.  

A CREATIVE SQUEEZE

Our creative and mindfulness practices can be lifelines. Creative expression can start to thaw out what’s stuck inside, helping give voice to what may not have words. 

Here’s a simple recipe to give yourself a creative squeeze!

1. Pick an outlet - movement, writing, drawing, playing your instrument... What's calling you?  

2. Pick one that feels easy and accessible to you in this moment. 

3. Gather simple supplies - a song to dance to, paper and markers, a journal, an instrument. 

4. Set a timer for 5 minutes and dive in. Let yourself feel and experience. Remind yourself that it’s only 5 minutes. 

5. Check-in - what’s changed? How do you feel now?  

CREATE YOUR "LOVE IT" LIST 

Reaching for things that brighten us and give us something to look forward to can be an instant mood-refresher.  I call this a "love-it" list (rather than a bucket-list ;)

1. Create a list somewhere you can easily access - like a note on your phone. 

2. Begin to list out activities, experiences or small rewards that you would just love!  Include small things that you can do when you don’t have a lot of energy (go to your favorite book store, enjoy your favorite croissant) and put down some bigger things that will build hope and excitement for the future.  

3. Start with just 3 things if you’re struggling to come up with ideas you’d likely enjoy. 

4. Ask yourself, which one sparks joy or warms your heart?

5. Write down a small step you can take to get yourself there.   

   
   

Making this list gets to be a break from your productive mode of thinking. You may find it a surprisingly powerful way to glimpse into your inner intuition and joy. This list can also reveal something important about you - a deeper meaning and purpose.  What might it be for you?  

For example, going to the farmer’s market gave me a chance to meet people and make a meal full of flavor to share. At the heart of it, this is about creating a vibrant community.

Often when you just take that little step, you’ll find more ideas build and unfold. You don't have to force it. 

It can be easy to talk ourselves out of doing small things that nourish us. In times of stress, healing or change, these acts of care can be a turning point - a fresh breath, reminding you that you’re more than what you get done - but of who you are and a deeper call to living.

Okay, now that I’ve shared this, I’m going to go enjoy a delicious guava from the farmer's market! What’s next for you?     

#wellnesstools #mentalhealthtools #unstuck #creativeoutlet #creativemindfulness