6 well-being practices that have been supporting me for years...

I realized that I haven’t been sharing a lot of what I’ve found to be really supportive for my well-being these days. So I thought I’d share in case you’re looking for some inspiration or reminders of ways that you love tending to you! As we ebb and flow through the seasons as well as just perpetually changing circumstances, I always find myself needing to pivot my well-being practices. I’ll be honest – sometimes this realization hits a bit later than I would prefer and I need to go in repair mode…But this blog post is sharing some of my foundational practices that have supported me over the years.

1.     Counselling – I went to a counsellor for the first time in 2012. I had access to a trauma therapist through my old job. I definitely had some unhelpful internal narratives around accessing counselling. But it came to the point where I needed it. I wasn’t able to function emotionally well in my job. And I needed to dig and find ways to feel more stable and resourced. One of the things that came up early was helping me unstick a few stuck moments from a trauma event when I was a teen. Some of you might know that I was held-up at gun point when I was 17…this event I truly believe was meant to send me on the trajectory I am today. Part of that trajectory was learning about how my nervous system functions to keep me safe – which I learned at counselling. Just the most basic understanding of how my brain and body functions brought me so much peace and healing! Do I wish that I had learned about this a decade earlier? I would have had a lot more peaceful dreams for sure (turns out I didn’t need to be having nightmares every night!. But I also believe in everything happening when it is meant to.

Over the years I’ve worked with a few incredible practioners who have helped me through talk therapy, psychoeducation, EMDR and now working with a counsellor who uses Internal Family Systems (parts work) – and I am SO obsessed. I’ve felt the changes in ALL aspects of my being – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

Yes I can do some of this work on my own (and I do!) but the efficiency and depth of what I can heal working with a practioner is NEXT LEVEL. I feel like one of the biggest barriers to accessing support is finding a good counsellor. If you’re in so called Vancouver or want virtual sessions, here’s my current counsellor who is amazing: https://sindytaylor.com/.

2.     Qi gong - If you’ve taken a workshop from me or been following me for a bit, you’ve probably heard me rave about qi gong. I started doing this practice in 2020 and I noticed a significant shift in how regulated my nervous system was and honestly just how balanced and happy I felt on the daily. To the extent that I can definitely feel a difference if I miss my weekly Zoom Qi Gong class with https://www.youtube.com/@wesleyqigong.

3.     Herbal Teas - I flippin love natural medicine. I just feel like our beautiful Earth is so resourced and I just love working with new to me plant medicines. 🌸 Lately, I’ve been enjoying mixing hibiscus, spearmint and tulsi. I also love starting my mornings off with turmeric, lemon and ginger in hot water. All I do is thoroughly wash raw whole turmeric, raw whole ginger (yes skin and all!) and a whole lemon. I roughly chop them into big pieces. Put them in my blender with some water, a little black pepper and a little sea salt (you could also add cayenne). Blend until it’s all masticated. Then strain through a sieve to remove the pulp. Freeze the juice in ice cube trays. Then I can pop one of the frozen cubes into hot water each morning (you may also want to add some raw honey). This really helps me fire up my digestion, metabolism and energy.

Note: Obviously you’ll need to google to make sure the plant medicines you want to try are supportive for your health conditions and medications.

4.     Morning (or evening) walk – I enjoy moment of all kinds but I also sit at a desk all day, so I really prioritize trying to get in a daily walk. 🚶🏼‍♀️I don’t always get the morning walk in if it’s a day I’m doing a morning workout. But I have noticed that when I am able to do a morning walk (even a short one!) I feel more calm and flowy throughout the day (not like I’m spinning on the hamster wheel). And of course the morning walks help me regulate my circadian rhythm and I fall asleep easier.

5.     Experiencing a moment of awe - This was introduced to me many years ago as a practice to support and engage my spiritual well-being. Since then it’s brought so much beauty and nourishment into my life. Often my moments of awe are connected to nature. Seeing a rainbow. 🌈 Noticing the beauty of the flowers and greenery wherever I go. Having visits from fauna friends. I was so lucky to see so much wildlife when I was visiting my Aunts in shíshálh Nation territory a couple months ago. Enjoy the video of a few of the animal friends that visited (sound on for my commentary!). Many (friendly!) snake friends have come to say hi recently. I’m staying in Epekwitk Prince Edward Island for a bit this Summer and I’m really hoping the rare greensnake comes to say hi!

6.     Stretching before bed - I’m including this one because I really need to be reminded to do this! I noticed SUCH a difference when I would do a little stretching before bed for a few minutes. 🙆🏼‍♀️ I hold a lot of tension in my body and if I don’t take intentional time for my body to relax when I’m trying to fall asleep then I don’t fall asleep as easily, I don’t have as sound of a sleep and I don’t wake up feeling great! I really have so many reasons to do this!

I’m not saying these practices are things you should do necessarily, rather what I am suggesting is bring awareness to what you do do on a regular basis that makes a difference for you. And maybe also try incorporating something new to you – just for fun. 😊 

I’d love to hear what sorts of things you do in the comments! And if you're not sure what to do - please reach out! I host well-being workshops and events often. I even have an on-demand (watch when you feel like!) well-being workshop!