{"id":1916,"date":"2018-01-10T13:17:58","date_gmt":"2018-01-10T13:17:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sinews.es\/?p=1916"},"modified":"2021-07-22T17:04:39","modified_gmt":"2021-07-22T17:04:39","slug":"everyday-dal-a-two-minute-reset","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sinews.es\/es\/everyday-dal-a-two-minute-reset\/","title":{"rendered":"Everyday Dal + A Two-Minute Reset"},"content":{"rendered":"

There’s something about starting a new year – even though, technically, I know nothing has changed between the 31st and the 1st – that makes me feel lighter, refreshed, and inspired. It may be due, in part, to the rituals we collectively partake in as a society to ring in the New Year; fireworks, parties, special meals. But I believe a larger piece of the puzzle is the simple act of pausing and taking time off that allows the\u00a0space<\/i>\u00a0for our energy, mood, and perspectives to reset.<\/p>\n<\/div>

But we don’t need to wait for January for a fresh start. We can create this space any day, any month. And I want to capitalize on the momentum of the new year to share a two-minute strategy I use to reset and get clear on my intentions, whether they’re for the New Year or just the day ahead. And it starts with a question for you:<\/p>\n<\/div>

Do you ever pause during the day to check in with yourself?<\/span><\/span><\/h2><\/div>
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And by pause, I mean, stop what you’re doing, close your eyes, get still and check in with your body. Sounds crazy, right? But it’s a legit question. Because no matter how much we resist carving out time to slow down and quiet our mind during the day, the truth is, this simple act is the catalyst to make changes in our habits, behaviors and routines.<\/p>\n

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Most of our day is on auto-pilot. We spend so much time in our head — thinking, worrying, analyzing, judging — that we’re out of touch with our body, unaware that we’re running through the motions and disconnected from how food and our thoughts make us feel.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

So whether your intention this year is to eat more mindfully, be more present with your family, or be less reactive at work, building in an introspective pause to check in (and practicing it daily!) is key to truly living in our bodies and breaking the cycle of automaticity.<\/p>\n

Whether it’s through yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or the strategy I’m sharing below, research shows these activities can lower heart rate, reduce cortisol levels, blood pressure, inflammation, and anxiety, strengthen immunity, and more. This is the mind-body connection at work!<\/p>\n

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Two-Minute Reset for Calm, Clarity & Focus<\/span><\/span><\/h2><\/div>
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This is a two-minute exercise that can be done anytime, anywhere to reconnect with your body and create calm, quiet space in your mind. Ideally, you\u2019re able to close your eyes. If you’re driving, you’ll obviously want to keep them open.\u00a0 Practice this daily and notice the difference it makes in how you feel. In the first week you might want to schedule a reminder on your phone or calendar. But after a while, your body (and mind!) will start to crave this moment of peace and calm in your day, and intuitively know when you need to check in. If you’d like extra guidance during the reset, this\u00a06 minute meditation<\/a>\u00a0is a great companion to get you out of your head and into your body.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Take a moment and settle into your chair. Place one hand on your belly, one hand on your heart. Close your eyes and take two minutes to breath slowly, deeply. Focus your attention on relaxing the muscles in your forehead, then around your eyes, then in your neck and shoulders, allowing your attention to gradually move from your head down through your body. Let your thoughts come and go and maintain attention on your breath and relaxing the muscles in your body.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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And in terms of food, this Everyday Dal is the ultimate reset, whatever your need. It’s been one of my go-to recipes for years now, whether I need something easy to make from pantry ingredients or a quick, warm and nourishing meal. I also turn to this dal for a make-ahead breakfast during the winter. Yep, breakfast soup is a regular in my house. With all\u00a0six tastes<\/a>\u00a0and good protein and fat (much easier to achieve with savory breakfasts), this dal is grounding, fights cravings and inflammation, and stabilizes blood sugar to keep me going until lunch. Plus, it’s just delicious to eat and gets my day started on a happy note.<\/p>\n

Here’s to wishing you all a nourished and grounded 2018!<\/p>\n

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