Healing Practices – Live Laugh Love Do http://livelaughlovedo.com A Super Fun Site Wed, 07 Jan 2026 03:41:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 8 Healing Practices To Do The Next Time You’re Struggling http://livelaughlovedo.com/health-wellness/8-healing-practices-to-do-the-next-time-youre-struggling/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/health-wellness/8-healing-practices-to-do-the-next-time-youre-struggling/#respond Sun, 29 Jun 2025 15:20:45 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/06/29/8-healing-practices-to-do-the-next-time-youre-struggling/ [ad_1]

8 Healing Practices To Do The Next Time You’re Struggling

As I sat cross-legged on my New York balcony during one particularly stormy evening in my 40s, rain pattering against the city skyline below, I felt the weight of burnout crashing over me like those relentless waves. At 48 now, looking back, that moment of deep struggle—questioning my path as a yoga instructor and therapist—became a turning point. Instead of spiraling, I turned to a simple breathing exercise, inhaling calm and exhaling doubt, drawing from recent retreat insights in the Catskills. It’s in these raw times that healing practices when struggling prove their power, offering anchors amid life’s turbulence. Backed by science from sources like Harvard Health and Psychology Today, these methods aren’t just feel-good rituals; they rewire our brains for resilience. Whether you’re navigating career shifts, family demands, or that midlife introspection, let’s explore eight transformative healing practices when struggling to help you emerge stronger and more centered.

Why Healing Practices Matter More Than Ever in Your 40s

Entering our 40s often brings a unique blend of wisdom and weariness—career peaks collide with personal reckonings, making struggles feel amplified. Studies show that emotional resilience dips here, but targeted healing practices when struggling can rebuild it, fostering self-compassion and reducing anxiety. From my balcony meditations, I’ve seen how these tools, like mindfulness, ground us in the present, echoing findings from the Greater Good Science Center on midlife well-being. Embracing them isn’t about perfection; it’s about gentle progress, turning potential breakdowns into breakthroughs.

Start with Mindful Breathing: Your Instant Anchor

When overwhelm hits, mindful breathing tops the list of healing practices when struggling for its simplicity and science-backed efficacy. Research from Harvard’s long-term study on happiness highlights how such techniques regulate emotions, delaying mental decline and boosting joy. Inhale deeply for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four—repeat during those balcony moments of doubt. This box breathing, as I teach in sessions, calms the nervous system instantly. For deeper dives, explore finding calm in everyday moments to integrate it seamlessly.

Lofi Zen – Calm Beats from a Trailer Balcony Above Neon City | For Study, Sleep, or Relaxation | 4K

Image Caption: Serene scene of lofi zen beats playing on a balcony overlooking a neon city, perfect for practicing mindful breathing as one of the healing practices when struggling.

Embrace Gratitude Journaling for Perspective Shifts

Gratitude journaling emerges as a powerhouse among healing practices when struggling, shifting focus from lacks to abundances. A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences links it to reduced depression by enhancing positive neural pathways. Each evening, jot three things you’re thankful for—perhaps a supportive friend or that quiet retreat insight. From my own burnout recovery, this practice rebuilt my inner peace. Pair it with nurturing your mental fitness for amplified effects.

Dive into Self-Compassion: Be Your Own Kind Friend

Self-compassion stands out in healing practices when struggling, especially for us in midlife facing self-doubt. Science from Medium’s trauma insights shows it mitigates shame, promoting resilience. Speak to yourself as you would a dear friend: “This is tough, but I’m doing my best.” My 40s taught me this during therapy sessions; it’s transformative. Link it with why I don’t want to become enlightened anymore for deeper self-acceptance.

Incorporate Gentle Yoga Flows for Body-Mind Harmony

Yoga, a cornerstone of healing practices when struggling, offers profound benefits per Bessel van der Kolk’s research in “The Body Keeps the Score,” where it aids trauma recovery by restoring body ownership. Start with sun salutations on your mat, focusing on breath and movement. At 48, my daily flows on the balcony keep me grounded. Explore benefits of red light therapy to complement for added recovery.

1,838 Yoga On The Balcony Stock Photos, High-Res Pictures, and …

Image Caption: Peaceful meditation pose on a sunlit balcony with city view, embodying yoga as one of the healing practices when struggling.

Foster Meaningful Connections: The Power of Community

Building relationships ranks high among healing practices when struggling, as Harvard’s 80-year study reveals close ties as the key to longevity and happiness. Reach out to a friend for coffee or join a support group—vulnerability strengthens bonds. In my retreats, shared stories heal; try it to combat isolation. Connect with the four horsemen: contempt in relationships for healthier interactions.

Harness Aromatherapy for Sensory Soothing

Aromatherapy shines in healing practices when struggling, with scents like lavender reducing anxiety per public psychology research. Diffuse essential oils during quiet evenings; it’s a ritual that calms the mind. From my New York loft, this simple act eases daily stresses. Tie it to embracing a zero-waste lifestyle for eco-friendly options.

Engage in Creative Expression: Art as Therapy

Creative outlets like drawing or music serve as vital healing practices when struggling, fostering emotional release as noted in holistic depression approaches. Doodle your feelings or play soothing tunes—no judgment needed. My retreat journaling sparked insights; give it a go. Link to exploring pop piano techniques for musical beginners.

Sahaja Yoga Meditation – SY:WAY

Image Caption: Woman in meditative lotus pose on balcony, representing self-compassion and mindfulness as healing practices when struggling.

Seek Professional Guidance When Needed

Sometimes, healing practices when struggling benefit from expert input, like therapy, which Harvard studies link to better emotional regulation. CBT or mindfulness-based sessions can provide tools tailored to you. At 48, therapy was my lifeline post-burnout. Explore assessing if marriage is right for me if relational struggles arise.

Integrating These Practices into Daily Life

Weaving these healing practices when struggling into routines creates lasting change. Start small—perhaps a morning breath session on your balcony. Consistency, as per Betterhood’s resilience strategies, builds emotional strength. Track progress in a journal for motivation. For more, check mindfulness meditation for everyday life.

Overcoming Common Barriers to Healing

Doubts like “I’m too busy” hinder healing practices when struggling, but mini-sessions fit anywhere. Science from Stephanie Dalfonzo’s work shows even brief self-hypnosis rewires negative patterns. Push past by starting with one practice. My 40s burnout taught patience; embrace it.

1,838 Yoga On The Balcony Stock Photos, High-Res Pictures, and …

Image Caption: Woman practicing yoga routine on balcony, illustrating gentle movement as one of the healing practices when struggling.

Measuring Progress in Your Healing Journey

Notice shifts like reduced anxiety or better sleep as signs these healing practices when struggling are working. Journals help track, aligning with gratitude’s benefits. Celebrate small wins; my retreat reflections highlight growth. For tools, see effective habit stacking techniques.

Sustaining Healing Beyond the Struggle

Make these healing practices when struggling lifelong habits for ongoing wellness. Integrate into retreats or daily rituals. As per midlife transformation insights, they promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. At 48, they’ve sustained my peace; may they do the same for you.

Cozy Balcony Rain: Deep Sleep Background Music with Gentle Rain Overlooking the City

Image Caption: Cozy balcony scene with gentle rain over city, ideal for aromatherapy or journaling as healing practices when struggling.

Essentials List: 7 Must-Have Products for Your Healing Toolkit

Enhance your healing practices when struggling with these supportive finds:

  1. Meditation Cushion – The exact one I use for balcony sessions, providing comfort during mindfulness.
  2. Essential Oils Diffuser – Creates a soothing atmosphere; currently 30% off — run to grab it.
  3. Essential Oils Set – Blends like lavender for instant calm in aromatherapy.
  4. Wellness Journal – Perfect for gratitude entries and tracking progress.
  5. Herbal Tea Set – Sip during reflective moments to enhance relaxation.
  6. Red Light Therapy Lamp – Boosts mood alongside yoga practices.
  7. Portable Essential Oil Diffuser – Take your aromatherapy on the go for anytime healing.
Lofi Zen – Calm Beats from a Trailer Balcony Above Neon City | For Study, Sleep, or Relaxation | 4K

Image Caption: Lofi zen balcony overlooking neon city, evoking community and connection as healing practices when struggling.

Must-Read Books for Deepening Your Healing Practices

Dive deeper into healing practices when struggling with these insightful reads:

  1. The Body Keeps the Score – Explores trauma’s impact and body-based healing.
  2. The Mindful Body – Guides mindfulness for emotional resilience.
  3. Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski – Empowers self-acceptance and wellness.
  4. Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents – Heals past patterns affecting current struggles.
  5. The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work – Strengthens relational healing.
1,838 Yoga On The Balcony Stock Photos, High-Res Pictures, and …

Image Caption: Peaceful balcony meditation with city view, symbolizing professional guidance in healing practices when struggling.

Next time struggle knocks, these healing practices when struggling offer a compassionate toolkit. From my New York vantage, I’ve witnessed their power—may they light your path too.

P.S. Ready to cultivate daily calm? Sign up for our free mindfulness journal to build your email list and unlock guided prompts!

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