You know those days where you just feel a little heavy? Nothing specific has happened, but you just feel this sadness or anxiousness about life? Then you feel a little guilt about being sad or anxious because you know that you’ve been blessed and also Bible tells us to not fear and to count it all joy?

Because, same.

But can I just pause for a moment and tell you that it is ok to feel sad. To feel anxious. To not know how to process all of the hard and heavy events and emotions that around flurrying around you. The truth is, we all feel it. You are never alone in those feelings. It’s incredibly healthy (and necessary) to talk about the things that are worrying you with someone you trust. Maybe that is a best friend, your husband or a counselor. Even if you aren’t sure what is causing the heaviness to begin with. Sit with those feelings and thoughts for a moment. Allow yourself to feel and cry and scream into a pillow if that is what you need.

The problem is that it is far too easy to let ourselves wallow in worry, getting stuck in mud of the world. We forget how to stand. We can’t see the clear path out. The hardest part is standing back up and continuing on. But it is vital that we don’t stay stuck here.

There is a saying, “Our emotions can ride in the car with us, but they don’t get to drive it.”

In other words, it’s ok to feel what we need to, but we can’t let those feelings and emotions dictate how we walk around in the world or let them misguide us into how we view God.

When we choose to listen to the world’s noise, *ahem-social media*, it’s not hard to see why we feel the way that we do. Constant messages of being more, doing more, not measuring up, hustle-culture, fast-fashion, knowing every terrible event that is happening in real-time… I mean, can we just catch our breath?

We have forgotten what it is like to live slower, to interact with our local community, to reach for our Bibles instead of ChatGPT when we need wisdom. This isn’t condemnation… I’m speaking to myself most of all. But I hope it is a wake-up call that we don’t have to live life so fast-paced, plugged-in, stressed and anxious. There is another way to not just live but thrive.

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10 Ways to slowing down, resetting our nervous systems, and living in the freedom Jesus bought for us:

1. Put down your phone. Get off of socials. Stop scrolling. If you are anything like me, your phone has a direct correlation to the level of anxiety and negative thoughts you get stuck in. So, put it down.
2. Get outside in nature and move your body. Put your bare feet in the grass. Walk around the neighborhood. Listen to the birds chirping (or the geese honking overheard-my personal favorite sound). Feel the sunshine on your face. Look around at all God has created. It’s beautiful & breathtaking, right? You were created by that same God.
3. Eat protein before drinking your coffee. Your body actually needs protein to help balance out your blood sugar in the morning. Caffeine on an empty stomach can spike your blood sugar and cortisol levels, leaving you feeling even more shaky and anxious. Ask me how I know.
4. Find and make time for hobbies. Listen, I know we are all busy and it seems selfish to spend time doing something for just us. Especially if it doesn’t seem super beneficial to our everyday life. But it is actually extremely important to find things that you love to do and carve out time to do them. It increases your creativity and joy, restores a sense of self (because how many of us feel like we’re “losing ourselves” in motherhood?) and provides a way for you to slow down. Some ideas: garden, read books, paint, thrift, cook, bake, collect something, write, work out, swim, bike ride, do puzzles, grow houseplants, keep chickens… anything that brings you joy, fills your cup, sparks creativity, do that thing.
5. Read your Bible. I’m sure ChatGPT is great. I’m sure your best friend gives great advice. But don’t forget that the first place we need to look for wisdom is straight from our Father’s words. The Bible is how we learn who God is, how He loves us, the wisdom He gives for our lives. Get some cute pens and highlighters, use a fun notebook, write directly in your Bible, listen to it as you are in car line… just get into the Word. Every. Single. Day.
6. Pray daily. There are books and devotionals, sermons and podcasts dedicated to teaching us how to pray. If you aren’t sure how to or why or just want to pray more consistently, find some resources to help you. The best way to start? Just start talking to Jesus. That’s it. A conversation. It doesn’t have to sound pretty and holy. Talk to your Savior as if He is a friend. (Because He is!)
7. Eat nourishing food. I could go on a tangent about this one, but I won’t. Eat foods that fuel you and fill you. Try to eat less processed and convenience foods when possible. Meal prep if that feels helpful to you. But also, don’t beat yourself up about grabbing fast food at 7:00 after a soccer game.
8. Make an adrenal cocktail. Mix coconut water, orange juice and a pinch of salt together. I tend to use 1 part coconut water, 2 parts of orange juice, pinch of salt. But this is all preference. Why is this important? The goal of this “cocktail” is to boost energy, balance blood sugar levels and replenish the adrenal glands with vitamin c. Stress affects your entire body, but is especially taxing on your adrenal system. When your adrenals are in overload, your body thinks it is in danger and lives in a constant state of “flight mode”.
9. Hug your children or husband. Hugs reduce stress and release oxytocin. They help us to feel connected and grounded. This tip is beneficial for both parties- you and the person you are hugging. Pause reading and go hug your little one… how do you feel?
10. 20-minute power clean. This one is probably the least exciting but will leave you feeling a little more productive. Set a timer for 20 minutes, turn on some worship music (or any playlist that makes you happy) and start cleaning up. Maybe you need to give your laundry pile some attention, vacuum the floor, make your bed, tidy up the surfaces in your home. Our homes have the ability to affect our mental health (as well as our family’s). When our spaces are cluttered and messy, we tend to feel more anxious and stressed out. Taking 20 minutes to clean up our homes leads to a sense of peace, calm and safety. You may even be so inspired that you keep going past the timer 😉

As a disclaimer, I know that none of these tips are magic antidotes that will solve or heal everything. Only Jesus can perform miracles and provide healing. I do believe that we have a part to play in our health and how we choose to steward our bodies well. And this is my heart for each of you…

I pray that you are able to partner with God to find joy in living slower and in nourishing your body well so that you can walk out your calling in the freedom that Jesus bought for you on the cross, In Jesus’ name!