Recently, we talked about the one thing that you can do even when you feel overwhelmed, but then I realized that you can go further. You can take that one thing and go deeper to reach your soul in the midst of the chaos around you.
This is not a list to add to the endless lists of things to do.
This is a list of suggestions, things you can try, and see how you feel. See how your soul feels. See how you breathe.
Music — Put it on and turn it up. I find something encouraging works best here, but anything can work!
Flower — Yes, even singular. Even one flower in some water where you can see it can remind you of beauty.
Sunshine — I know it sounds so simple, but feeling the sun on your face, even for a few minutes makes a difference.
Try these 10 simple ways to calm the chaos and make your soul breathe. Share on XMove — Not where you live, but your body! A simple stroll or a tough workout, both remind us that we are capable of amazing things.
Hobby — Remember those? Those things you did because you loved them, not because you had to. Dust one off and see if it still brings joy. (This book is wonderful encouragement for rediscovering in a practical way!)
Bath — This is not for everyone. But I love baths. Do you know how often I take one? Yeah, I can’t remember either. Give it a try. It always makes me feel better.
Candle — Lighting a candle can create a different atmosphere. It can calm with just the flicker of light. Find one you love and light it just because. (Try this one!)
Laugh — It is always worth it! Do something silly with someone you love. Watch a funny movie. Roll down a hill with the kids. Just have fun and remember how good it feels to laugh.
List — Make a list of things you are grateful for. It sounds so simple, but seldom do we stop and remember the good things in our lives. You won’t regret it.
Serve — Now don’t give up here. I know it feels like you do for everyone else all of the time. But do something different. Go beyond. Bless someone in a beautifully unexpected way. You’ll be amazed at how good this one feels!
The list doesn’t end here. There are endless possibilities. The only requirement is that it makes your soul breathe.
Try one today (or a few!) and see how it reaches deep into those places in your being that get overlooked so easily.
Breathe well today friend, and share what you would add to the list!
Check out these great sites I’m linking up with: Literacy Musing Mondays, Purposeful Faith, Tea & Word Tuesday, Abounding Grace, Tell His Story, Porch Stories, Let’s Have Coffee, Worth Beyond Rubies, Moments of Hope, Tune in Thursday, Dance with Jesus, Fresh Market Friday, Faith ‘n Friends, Blogger Voices Network, Grace & Truth, Heart Encouragement
This is a great list, Rebecca. When I feel chaos, my first instinct is to hunker in and try to press through it. But you’re right, it’s when I get outside, usually with my camera, that my soul begins to breathe. And serving others in an unexpected way . . . what a great suggestion!
Isn’t it funny how our instinct is often the opposite of what we need? God is so good in the ways He shows us and leads us to His best for us, even with something simple like getting outside!
Sunshine, vitamin D, a good walk… if I don’t feed my soul these things it screams! I’m pretty sure God never intended for us to spend so much of our days inside. I am in no way a creation worshiper, but His creation is so lovely and refreshing! I’m so very thankful for it— the seasons especially, but the colors and textures and smells as well! Pinned. Thanks for this beautiful reminder (I think I’ll go for a walk now) and thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
Yes! I can’t imagine He intended some of what we choose for our lives. Yet, we can choose to refocus and make time for His amazing creation!
Yes! Love these practical suggestions. Rest is a beautiful and God-ordained need for these frail human vessels.
I am a big fan of rest! I have to choose it though!
Great list! Yea, I don’t take enough baths, they are refreshing. I also love the “flower” even a single flower out of the yard, especially if it smells wonderful. Many Thanks 8)
A flower can make a beautiful difference in my day too!
Great ways to make your soul breathe again! Music, a walk, (in the sun/nature) really makes a difference. I also enjoy curling up with a good book!
A good book it always the right answer 🙂
The one-word list format of this post really grabs my attention.
Garden.
That’s my breathing word today.
Yes! Lists are so easy to digest, right?! Glad you’re breathing your one word well today!
Thanks for this great post, Becky! Such simple ways in which we can just ‘slow down’. I have chosen your post as my feature this week.
Thanks Aimee! I Always love connecting with your readers 🙂
These are simple and doable. Thanks for sharing this practical and powerful list.
So glad you feel they are doable! Always my goal!
Rebecca – I love your ideas. I am going to implement a few today. Lately, I have been getting outside more and find it extremely soothing. You are so right the sun feels amazing.
Yay! I hope you feel that amazing exhale deep in your soul!
Music is definitely a biggie to me! And too often I forgo it these days to substitute in a podcast instead. I also appreciate your reminder to light a candle. I have so many around my house, but I rarely remember to actually light them. ha.
I never seem to light them in the summer. I don’t know why. I’m looking forward to fall to get back to it! (But I’m trying not to rush summer!)
Thank you Rebecca! Some great suggestions here!
Bless you,
Jennifer
Thanks Jennifer!
I love how you added serve because serving others or even taking time to to encourage someone, truly does in turn bless your soul and lift your spirits! #purposeful faith link up
It sure does! It isn’t always easy to figure out how it works best for you, but it’s so good!
I love this list, Rebecca! I have Alexa set to tell me to move every hour on the hour. If I don’t, I’ll just sit here and work all day. So, every hour on the hour I get up and move for at least 10 minutes—then I get back to it.
I like the candle thing too, and the music. Lighting a candle right now! The music is already on. I just love this whole list!
Pinned and tweeted.
Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
I love, love, love this idea! I can’t wait to implement it! Thanks for the tip! (And the share love!)
I want to virtually high five you just because this is so my kind of article. I love all these things you’ve listed. We move unusually frequently, so I don’t take things like playing music and opening the blinds for granted. It’s so important.
They make a huge difference! So glad we’ve connected 🙂
I’m a little bit sad to think we have to remind ourselves to do these things, that they don’t just come naturally-maybe they did before television, social media and cell phones. I would add cuddling with a pet, reading to a child, and chatting with a friend. We might just fill up a whole day and not have time for the virtual world. Thanks for the reminders.
I love your additions! They are all so special and bring such peace to our souls!
Lovely post. What a beautiful list of things to calm your soul.
Thanks Sylvia! I hope you found something to try!
I love the phrase you used “soul breathe”. The suggestions you give us are a wonderful way to give our souls a breath of fresh air. Much needed! Thank you.
I miss so many opportunities for fresh air! Learning to take them for my body and my spirit!
This is a great list, Rebecca. It’s just what I needed to read today. I think I’ll do some quilting this evening.
How did the quilting go?
This is such a great list, Rebecca. We don’t take time to enjoy life often enough, do we? Thanks for the reminder.
Peace and grace,
Tammy
Glad you enjoyed it!
Rebecca, what a great list of things to make your soul breathe. I love this post. Thanks for sharing it at the #GatheringofFriendsLinkParty 4
Thanks Sylvia!
Sunshine! That often does it for me. But there are lots of good ideas here. Thanks for sharing.
Yes! Just yesterday I stood by the window and let the sun shine on my face for 15 seconds. It was glorious!