Eco-Friendly Ways to Clear Your Mind, Body and Soul

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During the summer months, there are very few of us who wouldn’t like anything more than to be able to truly relax and enjoy the summer. We love to spend more time with our kids, families, and friends, go to the beach, go camping, and more. Unfortunately work, and a lack of funds, can thwart even our best laid summer dreams. Thankfully there are a few eco-friendly ways that you can use to clear your mind, body and soul, each of which will help revitalize you and give you back a little of that energy you long to possess.

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Unplug. This is probably one of the hardest, but most vital ways we can help to clean our minds, bodies and souls. We live in a technology-driven age. We are electronically connected to the world day in and day out. Some people cannot even remember a time when that wasn’t the case. By try it. You don’t have to start big, just dedicate one day a week to being unplugged. Turn off all your electronic devices (unplug your home/work electronics as well, so vampire energy isn’t taking over). Then go out and enjoy your day. I wouldn’t be surprised if you thoroughly enjoyed being unplugged.

My favorite example is the boss who gives his employees $7,500 paid vacations providing that they a) do go on vacation and b) completely disconnect from anything work-related. If they can adhere to that, then off they go. Sounds like a great place to work, right? Well, you’re in luck…FullContact is hiring!

Go for a walk. When your mind is muddled, or filled with all of your incomplete jobs or “to do” items, you need a way to clear it so that you can once again think clearly. One of the simplest ways of doing that is by going for a walk. While on your walk, take a look around, look at the trees, the sky, the clouds, the bushes, the birds, the houses, or whatever else is around you.

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Spend time with your four-legged friends. There is nobody that gives unconditional love quite like our four-legged friends. Always willing to look past our short-comings, and happy to do anything from going for a walk to sitting down for a little snuggle, our four-legged friends have an amazing ability to help clear our minds while relaxing our bodies and souls.

Do a little yoga. With its roots deep in ancient Indian meditation, yoga focuses on using stretching, bending, balancing and deep-breathing techniques to help us relax our bodies and minds and help us reconnect with our true selves. As Deepak Chopra so aptly states:

The true purpose of yoga is to discover that aspect of your being that can never be lost. Your job may change, your relationships may change, your body may change, your beliefs may change, your desires may change, your ideas about your role in the world may change, but the essence of who you are is the continuity of awareness that has no beginning or end.”

Regardless of whether you are a beginner or expert, yoga is a great and natural way to help you clear your mind, body and spirit.

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Breathe. Although breathing is something we do every day without thinking about it, it is an important and eco-friendly way to help you relax. You don’t want to be taking deep breaths indoors as indoor air pollution statistics will astound you. Instead, go outdoors and into the arms of nature. A local park, the woods, the beach, a mountain, your backyard, any place like that will do. Once you get there, all you have to do is stand there, or sit, close your eyes (if you want) and take some deep, controlled breaths.

Some people recommend you breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth, although breathing in and out through your nose can work as well.

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Look to the sky. This one can be done either at night or during the day. All is takes is a relaxing spot where you can lay down and look up at the sky. During the day you can watch the clouds roll by and at night you can watch the stars sparkling in the evening sky. (Of course if you are going to do this at night, it’s best to be in a location where you can see the stars in the night sky.)

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Cool down in the water. On a hot summer day there is nothing quite as relaxing as taking a swim, or even simply sitting down in the water. Whether it be a pool, stream, lake, the ocean, or a dumpster transformed into a mini pool, spending some time in the water seems to help wash away your troubles and bring you a little peace of mind. Of course swimming is good for your body as well.

Drink lots of water. Speaking of water, you need to make sure your body gets enough water. Many times people don’t realize the amount of water their bodies need to consume, especially on a hot day, in order to keep themselves sufficiently hydrated. Drinking water instead of soda or alcohol is much better for your health.

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“Work” in your garden. Many people will tell you that one of the most relaxing things is working in their garden. There’s just something so peaceful and rewarding about getting your hands dirty and doing some gardening. Whether you are growing vegetables or planting flowers, gardening is a great way to get some fresh air and sunlight, connect with the outdoors, use a little elbow grease and create something beautiful. To help you along, take a look at some of these low maintenance garden tips.

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NOTE: For those who prefer to have indoor gardens (or who simply do not have the outdoor space), here are the five best herbs to put in a windowsill herb garden.

There are so many things we can do. So rather than getting down because you won’t be able to do everything you wanted to do this summer, simply take a little time and try some of these eco-friendly ways to clear your mind, body and soul. I’d love to hear some of the ways you relax and revitalize.

1 Comment

  • Jhoei

    I always go out of town to clear my mind with all the stress and tensions that my works bring. I usually spend 2-3 days with my husband and kids in a beach resort where I can enjoy the sun and the sea breeze.

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