Warmth for the Soul

Warmth for the Soul

I chatted with Dr. Tracey Jones and compiled a list of our favorite ways to nourish our souls: DIY style. Let’s warm up together, shall we?

Chicken Soup for the Soul… an iconic book title since 1993, synonymous with feeding your mind with serotonin the way that chicken noodle soup fills your belly. We had an iteration of this book growing up that sat on our mantle. The stories always struck me as fantastical, when in reality they were memorable snapshots of people’s lives. They acted as important captures worth remembering and gifting to the world for the sake of lifting our spirits and connecting us to something deeper than ourselves. They truly were soup for the soul.

To be frank, I don’t think about those stories much these days. At times it can be difficult to think about anything short of the tasks and goals directly in front of me. When this affects me physically, I understand the steps I can take to counteract it: take a nap, drink more water, eat something (in this weather? usually soup!). But mentally, spiritually, and emotionally… where do you start when you are craving that warmth? In times of cold and darkness, what can we do to warm our souls?

I chatted with Dr. Tracey Jones, our founder, and compiled a list of our favorite ways to nourish our souls: DIY style. Let’s warm up together, shall we?

Read (or listen to) a book

• When the world is running around you, escaping an entirely new world with a book can be exhilarating. Whether that means beginning a brand-new adventure with a new author or revisiting an old friend (helllllo, Twilight), books are the earliest form of escapism if you ask me. However, if just sitting down and taking a break is difficult, listening to a book is another great option (using a resource like Audible.com) so you can multi-task while being read to. Either way, you can delve into a different world for a while and fill that warmth meter up just a bit.

  Reconnect to spirituality

• While this may look different for everyone, the goal is always similar: to get in touch or reconnect with your belief in things that are unseen. For some this may consist of engaging in a ritual, a tarot card reading, or charging crystals. For Dr. Jones, it is “reflecting on life. (When things get tough) I often think back to Medical school, both my journey and graduation. They would not have been possible without God’s power and those close to me praying for me.” Reflection upon times when your spirituality served you can often reignite that passion and make it easier for you to carry it with you daily.

  Take an emotional walk with yourself

• Listen, it is -26 degrees outside, nobody wants to go for a real walk just to clear their mind. So how about taking yourself on an emotional walk to get the feelings flowing again? When life is busy, we tend to compartmentalize our feelings which, after too much time, can sneak up on us and have a negative impact. Grant yourself space and time to feel your feelings. “I like to light a candle, really let the scent sink in, and talk through or write out any outstanding feelings (that I haven’t addressed)” - Dr. Jones. Giving yourself that time to reflect and check-in may be able to give you insight and the energy you need to move forward.

  Use your hands

• We’ve already established that walking is out of the question, but that doesn’t mean all physical activity has to be. Doing something with your hands: baking, writing, crafting, drawing, cooking, creating… is a relaxing, yet effective way to step out of your own head and realign your focus for a few hours. If you are like me and struggle to feel “productive” when taking time for yourself, engaging in a short project using your hands is a great way to help combat that urge to put yourself second. It forces you to think in a different way and typically yields a creative result that can leave you feeling proud and lighter.

Dr. Jones likes to say that the “Mind, Body, & Soul blend together toward the health of the whole individual.” Feeding our minds, our hearts, and our souls are building blocks toward a healthier version of ourselves. We hope these suggestion help you take the steps you need to take care of yourselves this winter season.

Be cozy, be well, be warm!