4 Steps to Whole Living: Nourishing Mind, Body and Spirit

4 Steps to Whole Living- Nourishing the Mind, Body and Spirit

This post is sponsored by Stonyfield and prAna, but the opinions expressed here are my own.

I've been experiencing first-hand what happens when the balance in life tips in an unhealthy direction and you find yourself backed into a corner overwhelmed and stressed. It's not a fun place to be, but the good news is it doesn't have to be permanent.

No matter what is going on in your life there are opportunities to bring back into focus what really matters. It isn't always easy to do that, it often requires making difficult decisions and letting go of things that have become important to us. But more often than not shifting our focus and letting go brings clarity, wholeness and ultimately joy back into our life.

There are a few things that I've been doing lately to help bring about change

MIndful Living Run Far Girl

Create Space

When the mind is clouded by stress it becomes incredibly difficult to make healthy and wise decisions. Creating space in our mind is essential to bringing back into focus what really matters. One of the ways I create space and calm my stressful thoughts is through meditation. I often take 10 minutes or less after I run to sit quietly outside. I clear my mind and become mindful of my breathing for ten breaths. The deep breathing and quiet help bring perspective and allow me to face a new day with a calm that I wouldn't have otherwise.

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Nourish the Body

When life becomes stressful we often forget to nourish our bodies. The effort of meal planning and shopping becomes one more stressor and we opt instead for what is quick and easy. Quick and easy doesn't often equate to nutrient dense foods, but it can if you're choosing nourishing foods like Stonyfield Whole Milk Greek yogurt.

You can find Stonyfield Whole Milk Greek quarts at most grocery stores. They are the perfect base for a delicious breakfast bowl.

I typically cook myself eggs each morning, but sometimes when I've done my run, my essential strength exercises and meditation there's little time left to cook a hot breakfast and be available for my kids. Yogurt bowls become a great option on a busy morning, because they're packed with protein and go well with any fruit, nuts or whole grain cereals.

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Ask Questions

When life feels overwhelming, we often wonder "how did I get here?" It's an important question to ask and to answer. If you're in over your head, backed into a corner or simply not enjoying life it's time to examine exactly how you got there and how you're going to get out.

run far girl

Your exit strategy should be shaped by two questions: Does it bring me joy? Does it serve my values? As you take inventory of your obligations and responsibilities, commit to keeping the things to which the answer to those questions is a resounding "yes." If you're on the fence about anything, then the answer is probably, "let it go."

Choose Joy

Narrowing down major obligations to the few things that bring us joy is an important aspect of regaining wholeness, but the same principle also applies to the smaller decisions in life--like what you wear. I used to shop for clothes simply based on price and recently purged my closet of years worth of clearance rack items I never wore, but bought because...well, it was less than $10. My philosophy towards clothing has shifted, I buy fewer pieces, but they are things I really want.

prAna's Liana Sweater is one of my newest favorites. Incredibly versatile and comfortable, it goes with everything from jeans to yoga pants.

Instead of trying to find a cheaper version, I splurge on the thing that brings me joy and will be in my closet for years to come. Lately my closet has been filling up with items from prAna. Each item is sustainably made, beautifully styled and the fit is outstanding. My closet houses fewer items, but what is in there is top quality and chosen with intention.

You can get 15% off your next prAna order with code WHOLES17RFG.

What you allow in your mind, what you eat, what you wear; they all play a part in how you feel about yourself and life in general. Intentional living always asks questions, and can change directions easily when thing become imbalanced. Ultimately, though pursuing what makes you feel whole will bring the most joy.

What do you consider aspects of whole living? What principles do you use to guide what you put in and wear on your body?

-Sarah

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