Do you ever feel as though you are just going through the motions day-to-day? As though you're detached from your surroundings? As humans, we easily and quite often become caught up in our routines, which causes us to become mentally removed from the world around us. Perhaps, it is in our nature to neglect ourselves. Regardless, if that is true, life is not supposed to be lived in such a way.
After deep reflection, I have come up with eight ways to recharge the soul!
1. A Good Laugh
What is better than a deep-rooted belly laugh? It is one of the best feelings in the world! Having a good laugh will reconnect you, not only with yourself, but others too. I cannot think of a better way to bring people together. There is no better connection you can make than the one established while enduring a side-splitting chuckle with another being. Over that kind of connection, for just a separation in time you are able to let your self go. Figuratively letting your soul have a breather while your lungs and diaphragm struggle to grasp any air.
2. A Good Cry
Are you wondering what benefits could possibly come from s state of such vulnerability? Stress hormones are released amid the stream of salty tears sliding down your cheek and red-puffy eyes with blurring vision. Even if your circumstances stay the same, having a long-hard cry can present a feeling of relief. Your body is physically able to release built up tension in a way that is not harmful.
3. Pull an All-Nighter (with company)
Didn't see this one coming, now did you? Nothing liberates your soul like pulling an all-nighter! A sleepless night can cause you to be slightly more moody, but a lesser known side-effect is interim euphoria. Reflecting back, I rediscovered that quite a few of my favorite memories were made in the early A.M. after long nights of no sleep with friends. Those were the nights where we laughed our tails off over who knows what. I have come to the conclusion that you become more audacious when sleep deprived and the sun is absent.
4. Post All-Nighter Nap
After a night about not sleeping, there will be a subsequent nap. You know it is going to happen and there is nothing you can do to prevent it. You may as well plan it out! Besides, Intentional rest is the best kind of rest there is.
5. A Bubble Bath
This is one of life's simplest pleasures. A bubble bath can easily become a relaxing ritual that can rejuvenate that soul of yours. Want to calm your mind and improve your memory? Add a splash of sage oil! Lavender and eucalyptus essential oils have been proved to reduce stress, as well. A soak in warm water is also going to help with any aching muscles. Bonus!
6. A Jam Session
Take a brisk walk down memory lane with a good old fashioned jam session. Make a playlist filled with your absolute favorite songs and turn the up volume as high as it goes. Music has a way at bringing out all those pent up emotions that you are utterly unaware of. Screeching out those lyrics, will again release those emotions and essentially clear your soul. Giving you a fresh start.
7.Indulging With Your Favorite Food
What is your outright, hands-down, most absolute favorite food in the world? Now take a moment and imagine the first bite! Personally, I am a dessert person; Vanilla bean cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory happens to be my answer. Sheer Bliss. Food for thought; satisfying you pallet and stomach can also be satisfying to your soul. Soul Food. See what I did there?
8. A Random Act of Kindness
Performing a random act of kindness to make another person happy is, by far, the best way to add happiness into your life. What is better for the soul than happiness? A positive-loop of feedback is created from random generosity. People become more inspired to be kind when they witness other said acts of kindness. Kindness is Happiness; happiness is food for the soul.
Next time you find yourself in a mental slump, you have a few options to help refuel! Have you tried any other these before? What works best for you?