Just five breaths, that’s all I need to feel space between me and my anxiety. Just five breaths. That’s it. It’s so simple. So why can’t I do it?

Convenience isn’t always a blessing

In today's world, we are designed for ease. Every time we turn around we are waited on, accommodated, or catered to. AI assistance, ready-to-eat meals prepped and delivered, and instant gratification (same-day delivery, anyone?) I know not everyone sees this as a negative - but personally, I notice these are the very things that lessen my resilience (in Ayurveda, this is known as Ojas) and impact my health.

A friend of mine, who works in the school system, recently shared a trend she’s noticed: students are getting picked up by their parents (sometimes only an hour after drop-off) or excused from classes at the slightest feeling of overwhelm or tummy-ache.

I can actually relate. Now, I’m a full-grown adult. My mom doesn’t pick me up - but I still have my “sick” days.

How the Spiral Starts

I don’t have the type of job that requires me to clock in at 8 am sharp. I don’t even have to be fully dressed. I set my own schedule, which means…. no one hold me accountable except me.

The structure I need; just isn’t there. And if I don’t “feel like it,” chances are, I won’t!

The barrier to entry is so low, and all too often, my efforts mirror this low bar. Since I don’t have to wake up early, sometimes I stay up late - and this is when poor choices occur. Late-night snacks, doom scrolling, little to no bedtime routine.

This routine (or lack of one) spills into the next morning. Sleeping in, skipping the shower, and staying in jammies all day. And if I’m in my jammies, I skip my workout. And if I don’t work out, next thing you know, I’m 4 episodes into Gossip Girl with a bag of chips for company.

I’ve noticed that my biggest health complaints often stem from a “life of ease,” comfort, or indulgence. Waking up feeling groggy, weight gain, and feeling lethargic throughout the day. And I know the solution is simple: Go to bed early, move my body, put screens away before bed. I have the same problem when I’m feeling anxious or overwhelmed… “Just five breaths. That’s all I need.” But in the moment? I just can’t convince myself to do the simple thing!

So.. if it’s so simple, why does it feel so hard?

Grief and the Nervous System

I’m going to get real with you here. One of the biggest emotions I experience daily is grief. Now it doesn’t always show up as lying in bed and crying (although it can), sometimes, grief is just looming in the background, even when I appear cheerful. But grief, apathy, and depression- let’s just say, these emotions drive a certain craving for comfort, coziness, and feeling grounded. That is the remedy our nervous system demands. And even the simplest things have our nervous system saying: “But I’m already doing so much, just to stay regulated!”

Grief, depression, or any other feeling that prevents us from feeling like the best version of ourselves is fluid. These feelings may never go away. They go on our life journey with us. They ebb and flow as we float and bob. And we figure out ways to soldier on in the midst of pain.

Some days, we’re thriving. Showing up. Making plans. Serving others.

Other days, life is so heavy that Uber Eats becomes our only option for dinner.

Routine is Medicine

I’m writing this blog because I wanted to share how I cope in a world that indulges me — a world that aims to keep me dependent on ‘simple’ services and systems, which ultimately make it harder to thrive. Harder to do things myself.

If I’ve learned anything from my Ayurvedic practice, it’s that ROUTINE MATTERS. It regulates my circadian rhythms in my body, it softens decision fatigue, it creates clarity. When I eat at the same time every day, I’m hungry at the same time every day. When I get ready for bed at 9 pm every night, I sleep better night after night. Even my monthly cycle becomes more predictable.

All this rhythm helps me build resilience. Resilience in my body, mind, AND spirit. I’m talking about better immunity, better emotional regulation, and tolerance.

Life is hard, and the world isn’t set up for us to build resiliency anymore. But nature is. And when we tune in - when we find our rhythm - that’s when real healing begins.

For more information on building a simple routine, reach out to our Health Counselors today!