Reflect and Nourish

In our busy day-to-day lives, it can be easy to forget to take enough time for renewal and relaxation. However, it’s important not to forget the importance of slowing down and doing activities that make us feel good. So, I put together a list of four activities you can do to take this time for yourself:

1. Participating in the arts

Whether it’s by marvelling at paintings and sculptures at an art museum, enjoying a show at the theater, or simply listening to music, immersing ourselves in art can inspire and uplift us.

Experiencing different works of art can move us, make us laugh, or expose us to new perspectives. 

Creating art is also a powerful way to strengthen your spirit. According to Cultivate Grand Rapids, participating in the arts can help us feel a greater sense of purpose and accomplishment, as well as help us feel “connected to something larger than ourselves.”

By channeling our energy into a meaningful project, we can create a tangible result, which can be a rewarding experience.

2. Spending time in nature 

Nature has a healing effect on our minds, bodies, and souls. By spending time in nature, we can recognize and appreciate the vast, beautiful world in which we are part of.

When I take walks throughout my local park, all my problems seem to get so much smaller, and I appreciate the beautiful community I live in. 

According to “Taking Charge of Your Wellbeing,” spending time in nature increases pleasant feelings and reduces feelings of anger, fear, and stress.

In one study where half the patients undergoing a surgery were given a view of a tree and the other half were given a view of a wall, the patients who had the tree view tolerated pain better, appeared to have fewer negative effects according to nurses, and spent less time in the hospital.

3. Reading

Reading, especially reading fiction, is a great way to lose ourselves in other characters, worlds, and ideas. 

Imagining how others think and feel and connecting with characters’ emotions can help us develop greater emotional wisdom and strength. 

According to Cornerstone University, reading gives us the skills we need to understand another’s perspective better. which is a crucial part of becoming more empathetic. In addition, losing ourselves in another world can help us feel more connected and take us away from our worries. 

For instance, Cornerstone University mentions that during World War I, the U.S. Library War Service collected over 700 million reading materials for troops in an effort to help them cope with the trauma they suffered. The librarians noted that the troops did indeed feel calmer and better able to recover after engaging with the books.

4. Connecting with loved ones

As social creatures, we are meant to bond with one another. 

As such, social connection offers us many positive health benefits, such as improved resilience, healthy eating and exercise habits, and even quality sleep, according to the CDC.

So, whether it’s through a family game night, a volunteer organization, or meeting up with a friend for a meal, staying connected to others is important.

Rest and renewal is a key component of a great life. By spending some of your free time doing one or more of these activities, you can come back to your everyday life renewed and refreshed.