3 New Ways to Channel Your Inner Calm

Surprising methods you probably haven't tried yet, but should.

Let's take five minutes to see this week in a new light. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind Three New Ways to Channel Your Inner Calm   The last time you were feeling stressed, there's a good chance you leaned on one of the following methodologies to find some tranquility: meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises. While all solid and effective options, sometimes branching out is good for the soul. Consider these three new ways to find your inner calm. Forest Bathing  This technique of immersing yourself in nature is based on the Japanese practice, shinrin-yoku, which literally translates to "taking in the medicine or atmosphere of the forest." Established around the 1980s, this simple practice has since become more popular throughout the world.   The idea is to spend time in a naturally lush, green locale and to show up fully present. In turn, it can help with mindfulness, reduce feelings of stress, and the fresh air is good for your body, too. This guide can help you get started.   Sound Baths  A sound bath is a meditative experience where you're washed in calming, cohesive sounds that help bring your attention to the present moment. Common instruments used include gongs, singing bowls, chimes, rattles, and spoken mantras. Because participants simply lie in Savasana (on their back) for the entire experience, it's an ability-inclusive practice anyone can participate in.     For a lot of people, it's much easier to let go in a sound bath versus traditional meditation."   — TAMALYN MILLER, SOUND PRACTITIONER    Tai Chi Developed hundreds of years ago, Tai Chi is a unique combination of meditation, balance, and martial arts. If you were to look at a group of people doing Tai Chi, it would look as if they were moving in slow motion. The goal of this "moving meditation," is to slow down both your mind and body by repeating rhythmic choreography and breath work for about 30 to 60 minutes.     On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week Ways to Nurture Your Mind and Body  This week, set aside 60 minutes of time to participate in an activity that helps calm your mind, body, and spirit. Perhaps it is one of the options we listed above, or maybe it's a more traditional technique such as yoga or meditation. Neuroscientist philosopher, Sam Harris, has joined forces with comedian Ricky Gervais in a new podcast called Absolutely Mental. Each episode contemplates the wonders of science and the chaos of modern life—and it keeps you laughing along the way. If you're unable to find an in-person sound bath, consider looking to digital options. For example, you can check out this Sound Bath playlist on Spotify, or listen to Release Anxiety & Tension on YouTube.   This Week on The Verywell Mind Podcast   Listening to someone might be the most impactful thing you can do to help someone change their life. Good listening skills also benefit you in lots of ways.   But listening doesn't just mean 'not talking.' There's more to it.   On tomorrow's episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast, I talk to Mark Goulston. He's a psychiatrist and bestselling author who has learned how to become an expert listener.  Tune in and discover how becoming a better listener could transform your relationships.     Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts / RSS Read These Next How Dogs Can Offer a Unique Form of Mental Health Therapy READ NOW 5 Art Activities for Stress Relief READ NOW What Is Radical Acceptance? READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2021 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy