Commit to Be Fit: Feeling too busy? Try some grounding rituals

After the initial enchantment of spring fades, it’s important to be mindful of the potential for getting overwhelmed by the busyness of the season. Tasks such as spring cleaning, yard work, gardening, graduations, weddings, and spring sporting events can easily consume our time and energy, particularly for young families.

Being chronically busy often leads to feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, which doesn’t allow time for the soul to enjoy the small, ordinary and significant moments of life — moments that are designed to bring us joy. If you have ever experienced feeling too busy or feeling a little off, you know it doesn’t feel good and can cause chaos instead of peace.

Do any of these indicators of being overwhelmed sound familiar?

Signs of being too busy, stressed and off-balance:

Feeling off is a gift

Recently, I have not been feeling myself. With the added responsibility of caring for a newborn, I have been neglecting my own self-care rituals. As a result I have been feeling “off.” After talking with my mom, she asked, “Have you ever thought of viewing this uncomfortable feeling as a gift?”

Instead of resisting the feeling, she suggested I embrace it as a catalyst to help get myself back on track. I discovered when I welcomed the feeling, instead of fighting it, I was able to clearly see and create a plan of action.

Pathways to balance and joy

To restore balance and infuse our lives with joy, we can adopt various practices and behaviors. Think back to a time in your life when you were feeling really “on.” What were you doing? How were you spending your time? What goals did you have? How were you moving your body? How were you showing up in your relationships? What was different for you?

In answering these questions, I realized that when I am journaling, sharing three gratitudes with my husband, moving my body daily, and having meaningful conversations with loved ones, I am at my best. I am more patient with my children, I am more present in my relationships, and I feel closer to God.

Try these grounding rituals:

Prayer for Inner Peace

No matter how hard we try, being perfectly balanced is an illusion. A powerful prayer that helps me when I am feeling anxious is the Serenity Prayer, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”

Here’s hoping that this prayer and intention offers you peace during trying times.

Kylie Alger is a certified wellness coach and co-owner of the Well-Woman: Body, Mind & Spirit. Comments: kylie@thewellwoman.org.