If life feels dull, it’s time to reconnect with both yourself and the world through holistic practices. These practices can ground your mind, body, and spirit through profound experiences within and around you.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money on yoga retreats or climb mountains to enjoy the peaceful benefits of holistic practices. You can develop your own mindful rituals right at home:
Drumming is used in many cultures for fun, community building, and sending messages. It’s also a therapeutic tool for healing and spiritual communication. You can learn to drum at home with online lessons or by attending group drumming classes in your city. Play the drum and feel the rhythm move through your body as you sit or stand. Be creative, matching your beats to your current feelings or to songs that move you. Just keep in mind not to disturb others with your practice.
Yoga is accessible to all ages and skill levels and helps with exercise, flexibility, and stress reduction. You can incorporate yoga into your morning routine to prepare for the day or into an evening routine to wind down before sleep. Simple bedtime yoga poses, such as resting with your knees to your chest or lying in a fetal position, can help you relax. Yoga is also known to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and addiction. It reinforces your connection with your body and brings you into the present moment.
Meditation is another holistic practice that helps with anxiety, depression, and focus. You don’t always need to chant mantras; simply take five minutes to focus on your breathing. The goal is to let your body and mind be, without judgment, while calmly bringing your attention back to the present moment. Focus on the rise and fall of your chest and the beat of your heart until your worries fade away. Even short meditative moments, like taking ten focused breaths, can decrease stress, increase focus, and lower blood pressure.
If you love to write, journaling can provide many benefits. Writing down your goals, thoughts, or feelings helps you process them, even if you can’t speak to anyone about them. Writing can help you work through grief or record memories. Consider adopting the “Morning Pages” practice, where you write three pages of whatever is on your mind when you first wake up. This stream-of-consciousness writing can clear your mind to start the day fresh.
Creating a personal altar in your home can also be a powerful practice. Your altar doesn’t have to be religious; it can simply be a place that brings you positive energy. Choose a small surface by a window, either inside or outdoors, and fill it with items that hold personal significance—goals you want to achieve, photos of loved ones, candles, crystals, or art. Change up your altar with the seasons or your moods. This sacred space can help you cultivate mindfulness and peace.
Developing a holistic practice helps you stay connected to your innermost self, especially when life gets busy or you feel stuck. Whether you choose drumming, yoga, meditation, writing, or creating a personal altar, these practices can serve as a starting point until you find what truly resonates with you. Enjoy your newfound mindfulness and discover the peace it brings.