Nurturing Your Inner World

Five ways to slow down, turn inward, and nurture yourself this season

We live in a culture of busyness and immediacy. We are often so focused on the seemingly never-ending to-do lists of our day-to-day lives that it can be challenging to know when to slow down. The autumn season, with its slower rhythm and longer nights, can be a welcome opportunity to take a breath, turn inward, and connect with our inner selves.

What does it mean to turn inward? Like turning outward, turning inward is a method of paying attention. Specifically, it is a method of tuning in to your body, your thoughts, and your feelings. Rather than looking to the outside world for affirmation and solace, turning inward and nurturing your inner world is an essential form of self-care that can bring contentment, happiness, and healing.

Create Space

Create a safe and welcoming space for yourself. Give your home a nice cleaning and sprucing up, making it a place you can feel comfortable and relaxed in. Appeal to your senses - bring in candles or essential oils in your favorite scents, play music that inspires and uplifts you, and display items and colors that bring you joy.

Connect with Nature

Exposure to nature has been linked to many benefits, from lower stress and better mood to improved memory and sleep. Find ways to connect with nature in your everyday life. Whether you take daily walks, set out on weekend hikes, or simply enjoy the sunrise or sunset from your patio, communing with nature is a wonderful way to help your inner self flourish.

Honor Your Body

It can be easy to take our bodies for granted - forgetting to eat, skipping out on sleep in favor of working a little longer, and not allowing our bodies adequate time to rest after movement. Take time to listen to and honor your body. Prioritize sleep, eat foods that make you feel good, practice a form of daily movement (walking the dog, taking the stairs at work, yoga, etc.), and honor your hunger cues. Don’t forget to prioritize your mental health as well. Protect your energy by setting boundaries and letting go of what no longer serves you.

Relax and Reflect

Embrace the earlier autumn nights and allow yourself time to reflect on your day. Reflecting allows your brain the opportunity to pause, sort through the experiences of the day, and create meaning. Indulge in warm and comforting baths. Set time aside before bed to write in a journal. Practice a guided meditation. End your day with gratitude and write a list or verbally express what you are grateful for. It can be easy to feel like you are too busy to add reflection to your day, but doing so will allow you the opportunity to recharge, be more intentional, and live more purposefully.

Limit Your Screen Time

We are always hearing about the benefits of limiting our screen time, but it can be challenging to put this into practice. Smartphones and tablets come with many benefits. They help us stay up-to-date on the news, they allow us to connect with family and friends, they help us do our jobs, and they can provide almost limitless entertainment. Still, there can be benefits in giving our minds a break from everything stored in those glowing boxes of information. Become a mindful media user. Rather than spending hours scrolling through social media threads that can heighten your anxiety, take time to enjoy activities that can help you feel more present and relaxed, such as reading, drawing, journaling, meditating, etc.

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