Finding tiny moments of calm

Over the past week in our circles, a topic that has come up over and over is how to find calm so that we feel less out of control and also better able respond to our children. 

We've been talking about how important co-regulation is for our children's development (new to this idea? Learn more here!) and how when we're calm, we can help our babies through the witching hours, be present for our toddler's tantrums, and make it through the chaos of bedtime at any age.

We know it's important, but when overwhelmed by sleep deprivation and juggling all the things we often find ourselves losing our cool more than we'd like. 
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One thing that kept coming up is HOW to ground ourselves - we all have visions of an hour to take a yoga class, have a deep conversation with a dear friend, or take a long walk in the woods. But it often feels impossible to find that much time once a week, much less every day. Which led to a few awesome brainstorms - broken down by time - that we'd like to share with you: 

To find calm when I have ONE minute I: 

• take several deep breaths
• make my bed
• take a sip of water
• look at a tree
• walk out of the room
• close my eyes, then re-open them
• repeat to myself "yelling will not accomplish the goal”
• light a candle
• stand next to a house plant

When I have 5 minutes I:

• walk around the block (with or without kids)
• spend time in a room that feels calm
• turn on a favorite song
• lie on the floor and breathe
• call a friend for a quick chat 
• do a quick meditation before work
• write a short journal entry
• do one sun salutation
• make a cup of tea

​When I have more time I: 

• get outside in nature
• listen to a podcast or story
• take epic long walks with and without kids in strollers
• draw or paint
• spend time near water
• go for a run
• have a good cry in the car
• cook by myself
• garden
• have a long chat with a friend

We'd love to hear more ways you find calm & grounding.