Getting back on track: the magic of the restart
It happens: we’re focused on our health and wellness goals and then something shifts. Maybe we go on a trip, take care a family member, start a new routine with a partner or kiddos or generally get jostled from the place where we were feeling really good. This feeling mostly happens to me after traveling and exploring: I eat different foods, stay up too late, I’m out in the sun (or wind or rain) and might not get enough water. While this is usually in the spirit of an adventure and a leap outside my comfort zone, it can throw me off when I return. Even though I am nourished on a deeper level, the day to day act of living feels like it needs a restart. So what to do?
Breathe. Notice the thoughts and feelings that pop up. Rather than pushing them away or giving them a permanent home in my brain, I notice the thoughts. And then ask, without judgement what’s behind the thoughts. Am I really lazy for wanting to “sleep in” until 7:30 am or am I just jet lagged? Breathing with intention is the ultimate restart…it literally keeps us alive.
Make a plan. This could be by the hour, the day or the week. Making a list is always helpful as is putting my schedule on my calendar. I try to avoid unnecessary meetings and appointments within 2-4 days of getting back on track to really focus on myself.
Adulting. Do the laundry, stock the fridge, with nourishing food, drink all the water, cut out any processed food and eat as many fruits and veggies as possible. Basic “adulting” tasks help me to restart.
Grounding. I like meditation, journaling and walking outside when I’m back in Baltimore. Even better if I can get my feet on the earth ASAP after being in a different time zone. I find that animals and nature are incredibly grounding so I like to really snuggle my dog or stare at the trees / clouds from my rooftop deck. If getting to the park isn’t an option, I’ll tend to my house plants.
Movement. This is often playtime in the park with my dog, dancing in the kitchen while cooking a meal, a run with a buddy or a yoga practice. The movement doesn’t have to be formal, just a chance to notice what’s going on in my body back in my home space. Movement is medicine.
Sunlight. Morning sunlight in particular is helpful when restarting. It helps to regulate circadian rhymes to align me to where I am.
Sleep + rest. Making sleep a priority and going to bed no later than 9:30 pm is imperative to restarting and getting back on track. Even when it’s tough to wake up at 5:55 am (or 4:55 am on some days) I do it so at the end of the day I’m tired and my body is ready for sleep. Patience and compassion are so important here.
Essential oils. I love oils for a variety of purposes. Wild orange for a bright, cheerful vibe. Lavender for soothing and comfort. Peppermint if I have a headache or tummy trouble. Frankincense and Copaiba for helping my mood if I feel grouchy or on-edge while transitioning to a different routine. Having a variety of oils in my diffuser, topically or taken internally (when appropriate) has been a game changer during the restart time.
Acupuncture. I could talk for hours about how magical acupuncture is and how it has helped me with pain, hormones, sleep issues and allergies. I find that getting acupuncture within 48 hours before and after traveling does wonders for me (and why I rarely if ever get sick!) My favorite place in Baltimore is Mend with 3 locations around Charm City. The community sessions are just $35 which is an incredible deal. If I need to restart, I always book a session at Mend.
Ditch the tech. Put down the phone / laptop! Less blue light, more sunlight…that’s my motto every day but especially while I’m in restart mode. Sure, I’ll post some photos of the trip and check in on friends I missed while gone. But leaving my phone in a different room allows me to stay present and restart on my terms, not being tied to something or someone else.
What are some ways you restart? Do you feel like you need a restart after traveling or changing jobs, meeting a new partner or having a child? A restart can be brought on by many different experiences or stimuli, how do you manage the emotions, thoughts, behaviors and activities that come up during a restart?
Drop a comment below, I look forward to hearing from you!