When you feel out of sorts or like nothing is going the right way, it might be a good idea to feed your soul. Doing this is a great way to regain balance in your life. It is simple, and the effects are phenomenal. Furthermore, you can feed your soul anywhere, and there are many ways to do it that do not cost a dime.
The problem is, too few people know how to feed their soul. Plus, life is so fast-paced today that many people are continually thinking about what they need to do, and they fail to take a few minutes for themselves. If you are falling into this trap, you should try some simple ways to make yourself feel good inside.
What Is Feeding Your Soul?
Feeding your soul is all about slowing things down and calming your mind, body, and spirit. It requires you to take a few minutes for yourself doing things that give you peace. You do not need a ton of time. However, you will find the more you practice this form of self-care, the more you will want the peace that comes from it.
It is the perfect thing to do when you have some time by yourself. However, you do not have to wait for alone time. Feeding yourself is a great way to love yourself, and it helps you to live in the moment.
Perhaps you have heard that happiness is an inside job. Well, feeding your soul is a crucial step in finding internal peace and satisfaction with your life. It might sound like something out of a new-age self-help book, but this truly is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
Benefits of Feeding Your Soul
The benefits are seen in all aspects of your life. You will be a better friend, parent, partner, employee, co-worker, or boss. So, even if your schedule is consistently full of obligations, there is no excuse not to take a bit of time to feed your soul.
Increased Peace
The sense of peace you obtain from taking a few moments to feed your soul is unbelievable. If you find that you are constantly looking toward the future and a different situation to find happiness, practicing some self-care can be the perfect antidote.
Mental Clarity
You gain mental clarity when you take care of yourself because taking some much needed time helps you to calm down. When you feed your soul, you are living in the moment and enjoying something that makes you feel good.
A Sense of Fulfillment
The fulfillment that you get from giving back to yourself through feeding your soul is essential. It helps you to feel happy no matter where you are in life. It inspires you to do bigger and better things while giving you an appreciation of who you are and what you have to give to the world.
Healthier Relationships
Today, our relationships suffer because we are overworked, overly tired, and our minds are always going. With so much going, it is difficult to give your all to the important people in your life. Feeding your soul helps you to put things into perspective, which enables you to become a better person all around.
Better Sleep
When you feed your soul, you are calmer, and therefore you sleep better. You can turn off all of the negativity chatter you think consistently, so you get to sleep faster and sleep more soundly. Plus, when you wake up in the morning, you feel more well-rested.
Increased Productivity
You will find you are more productive than ever when you are inspired. However, it is difficult to feel inspired when you are living an overly hectic life, and your soul feels drained. If you can give back to yourself just a bit, you will find that you get more done. Plus, you will have the power to accomplish greater things than you could before.
Ways to Feed Your Soul
There are numerous ways to feed your soul. So, you are sure to find at least a few that speak to you. The important part is doing something that helps you slow down and enjoy being in the moment.
You do not want to force it, but you should try different ways because you never know which could work for you until you try. When you feed your soul, you should have a sense of peace, though. So, you do not want to try anything that is too far out of your comfort zone.
Listen to Music
Listening to music is a perfect way to change your mood. You can listen to calm music almost anywhere to give yourself a peaceful feeling. You can also listen to uplifting music to lift your spirits. No matter what your favorite genre is, when you enjoy a few tunes, you are doing valuable soul work.
Meditate
Meditation is one of the most effective ways to gain insight, calm yourself, and have an overall feeling of well being. More people are meditating because they are more aware of the benefits. If you have never tried to meditate, there is no better time to start than the present.
There are many ways that you can meditate. One of the simplest meditations is the gap meditation. To do it, you only have to be mindful of the gap between your thoughts. Doing this is exceptionally peaceful, especially since we think so many thoughts each day.
Guided meditations are also beneficial if you are new to meditation. These are easy to find on YouTube. People create them with love to help others find greater peace in their lives.
Another great form of meditation is simply to visualize what you want your life to look like or a place you want to go. By seeing what you want in your life, you help create those things in your life. So, this is a great all-around practice.
Eat Well
It might sound silly that eating would feed more than your body. However, a great meal that contains lots of nourishment is capable of supplying your spirit as well. Whether you choose to whip it up yourself or indulge at a fine restaurant, you will find that a healthy meal does wonders for your well being.
Play More
If you are a parent, playing with your kids is one of the best things you can do for you and them. Put away your phone and enjoy a tea party with your little ones. Or, build a fort or robot out of boxes. Letting your kids see a side of you; they do not typically see by engaging in playtime is one of the best ways you can teach them to feed their soul while you do the same for yours.
You do not need to be a kid or have kids to reap the benefits of play. Use your imagination and just be a kid. After all, we never truly grow up, and getting back to a child-like state of mind for a little bit is one of the best ways to feel fulfilled.
Love Deeper
Whether you are engaging in self-love or loving others, you should try to love more deeply. Everyone benefits from showing themselves more love. That includes being easier on yourself when you mess up, taking better care of yourself, taking time to do more of the things you enjoy, and overall just giving yourself more of what you need to be happy.
Loving yourself helps you have what it takes to love others. When you master self-love, you are in a better position to love others more deeply. Showing more love to your children, spouse, friends, and family helps to make you feel better about yourself, and it is one of the most effective ways to feed your soul.
Practice Fasting
You can also feed your soul by doing a food-based detox or through fasting. Many people find that ridding their bodies of toxins by fasting or doing a juice cleanse is a life-altering experience.
A few of the benefits of fasting include:
- Weight loss
- A sense of accomplishment
- Better skin
- Improved immune system
- Enlightenment
With so many benefits, it is clear why people swear by fasting and why some religions require believers to engage in it. So, if you are looking for a way to help yourself feel better, you have nothing to lose.
Have a Spa Day
You do not have to go to an expensive spa to enjoy the benefits of a spa day, although that is nice. If you are living on a budget, create your own spa experience in your home. Light candles, dim the lights and create a spa-like environment. Then, spoil yourself by putting on a face mask, using a body scrub, giving yourself a foot massage, and pampering yourself in all the ways you love.
Enjoy the Little Things
Enjoying the little things in life is easier said than done for most people. However, the more you appreciate the small things, the more you will notice them. You could enjoy an attendant that goes the extra mile, or a small child that looks up at you with a smile. Recognizing these things helps you to create a habit of nourishing your spirit at every opportunity.
Take a Trip
Traveling is an incredible experience that enriches your life in many ways. It does not matter if you go to a place near or far, you will be feeding your soul in the process. Of course, traveling to a site that is new to you is even more exciting, and it provides you with experiences you can go back to at any time.
You do not need a partner to enjoy traveling. There are many reasons you should take a trip on your own. Too many people wait for the perfect opportunity to go to the places they dream about. However, you may never get the chance if you do not seize the day and go.
So, if you have been longing to take a trip, go ahead and book it. Even planning your trip provides you with a sense of excitement that is nourishing, and your soul will thank you for it.
Exercise
Exercising is a great way to give to yourself. It improves your health, and it helps you mentally as well. When you are physically active, your body releases hormones that make you happier and more grounded. It is also a great way to fight anxiety and depression. You do not have to go to the gym to enjoy these benefits. Just engage in some type of physical activity regularly.
Dance
Most people know that dancing is a great way to feel good. Going out with a group of friends and hitting the dance floor can do wonders if you are feeling depressed. However, if you are not much for public places, you do not have to bust a move in a crowded room. Dancing around your living room has the same positive effect. Just turn on your favorite song and let loose.
Read Feel Good Quotes
There are so many inspiring quotes written by people who have overcome adversity and by people who have accomplished incredible things in their lives. Below are some incredible examples of quotes that feed your soul:
- “If you can dream it, you can do it” – Walt Disney
- “It is through gratitude for the present moment that the spiritual dimension of life opens up.” – Eckhart Tolle
- “The most creative act you will ever undertake is the act of creating yourself.” – Deepak Chopra
- “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” – Albert Einstein
These are just a few examples of quotes that make you feel good when you read them. They are uplifting and help you keep things in perspective. Reading them helps to encourage you when you are going through difficulties, and they help inspire you to live in the moment and fulfill your dreams, which are what feeding your soul is all about.
Go to a Worship Service
If you are religious, you might find that a worship service is a great way to lift your spirit. Even if you do not belong to a church, you can likely find a non-denominational church in your area to attend. The key is to find one where you feel comfortable to receive the message.
Watch the Sun Rise or Set
There is nothing quite like waking up early in the morning to catch the sun coming up or watching the colors dance across the sky during a sunset. So, make an event of it. Grab a coffee and head to a park early in the morning. Or, grab dinner outside as the sun goes down.
Create Something
You do not have to be an excellent artist to enjoy the benefits of creating something. Being artistic helps by boosting your self-esteem, lowering anxiety, encouraging creativity, giving you a sense of accomplishment, and more. So, it is a great way to feed your soul that anyone is capable of doing.
Hit the Road
Go on an adventure without a final destination in mind. Just go where the road takes you. You never know what beautiful places you could find or what amazing people you will meet. Part of the benefit of this is that it forces you to be a bit more relaxed. You do not have a specific place to get to or a time constraint.
Leave Your Phone at Home
Your phone is a huge distraction that keeps you from truly living in the moment. So, try leaving it at home every once in a while. Just the act of getting away without worrying about anyone contacting you for something can be refreshing. At first, you might find it difficult, but after a little time, you will realize it is very freeing.
Read an Uplifting Book or Story
There are so many books and stories you can enjoy that feed your soul and nurture your spirit. After all, the bestselling book, Chicken Soup for the Soul, has become an entire series of books that people around the globe find uplifting for a reason. Plus, reading helps you to feel calm and teaches you.
Laugh a Little
Laughing is said to be the best medicine and for a good reason. When you smile, your body releases feel-good hormones that make everything seem a bit better. So, if you are looking for a way to increase your sense of well-being, merely laughing more is a great way.
You can watch a funny movie or just act silly with your kids or friends. Laughing at yourself is also beneficial in turning embarrassing situations into soul food.
Enjoy Nature
So many of us fail to realize how invigorating nature is. There are so many things to experience when you go outdoors. Getting outside might be one of the best ways to feed your soul. You can sit under a tree and enjoy the way the sun feels when it is shining down on you. Or, stand outside and wait for a cool breeze to brush against your skin.
When you pay attention to the beauty all around, you are sure to feel refreshed. There are so many beautiful things we do not even notice because life is so busy. When you take time to see the beauty of a flower, the vibrant colors of the birds, or the way grass tickles your feet, your soul feels full.
Look at the Stars
So many people who live in cities have never really experienced the peace that comes from taking in a captivating night sky. There are millions of stars above us. Yet we do not even realize they are there. Take a drive out to a dark place outside of town and enjoy the beauty above. It is a great way to humble yourself and live in the moment. Once you see the incredible beauty, it is hard to get back in your car and head home.
The best locations to see the stars are places where there are no lights, and where there are few trees. If you can find a spot like that around you, you are really in for a treat. A particularly good time to do this is when there is a meteor shower.
Enjoy Water
Waterfronts provide you with a sense of peace that is hard to find in most places. Whether you go for a walk on the beach, a boat ride at night, or enjoy a day of fishing at a lake near you, the peace that comes from being by water will give your soul what it needs to feel good.
Even listening to the sound of water is good for the soul. So, the next time it is raining, open your windows. You can also listen to a babbling brook or rain sounds on YouTube to enjoy the sound of water in your own home.
When Should You Feed Your Soul
You should feed your soul as frequently as possible. However, it is a good idea to come up with a time that you give back to your self with positivity every day, as well. Just like you need to eat every day to stay healthy, your soul needs food every day also. Doing this helps to ensure that you have much needed time to take care of yourself.
A Bedtime Routine
Designing a soul-fulfilling routine that you can do every night before you go to bed is the perfect way to get better sleep. You will feel more relaxed. Plus, deciding that you are going to engage in some activities that fill you with joy will help you to get to bed earlier.
Some of the things you might incorporate in a nightly routine are:
- Meditating
- Taking a bubble bath
- Putting an aromatherapy lotion on your skin
- Reflecting on your day and giving thanks
- Listening to relaxing music
- Reading a book
- Visualizing what you want your life to look like
Try incorporating your routine before bed for a few weeks, and if possible, take time to journal about how you feel. Be sure to include what your state-of-mind is like before you go to bed, how well you slept, and what your next day is like after your night time soul-feeding routine.
Feeding Your Soul in the Morning
Many people find that taking a few minutes in the morning to do some fulfilling or inspiring activities is the key to having a good day every day. You do not have to wake up very early to engage in some soul-filling activities.
However, reports do show that many of the most successful people wake up early in the morning. Perhaps their success is in part because they have time to give back to themselves before they start feeding the daily demands of others.
Authors Benjamin Spall and Michael Xander wrote a best-selling book called My Morning Routine: How Successful People Start Everday Inspired, that gives details into the early morning activities of highly-accomplished individuals.
Some of the things these successful people do in the morning include:
- Enjoying a hot cup of espresso
- Reading the morning paper
- Reflecting on the day ahead
- Playing with their kids
- Enjoying a big breakfast with their family
- Reading inspirational materials
It is essential to keep in mind that these are daily routines these people incorporate into their lives. Most people enjoy a hearty breakfast or reading from time to time, but the people who stick to an inspiring routine every day see the most benefits. They also say that after incorporating these items into their lives, they would feel incomplete if they have a morning without them.
Making a Day of It
Even if you engage in a bedtime routine, a morning routine, or both, you should also dedicate a day from time to time to do nothing but feed your soul. These days might be when you are on a family vacation or when you have a day off of work to spend by yourself. When you dedicate a day to feeding your soul, do your best to avoid social media and even notifications on your phone.
Nourishing Your Spirit Throughout the Day
If you do not have time to dedicate an entire day to feed your soul, there are things you can do throughout the day. You can take a few minutes on your lunch break to listen to your favorite songs. Or, you can spend a few minutes meditating at your desk before you start working.
Whenever you have time, use it to nurture yourself. Doing so will leave you feeling uplifted, and you will feel better when you get back to your busy life.
Final Thoughts
If you are unhappy with where you are in life, feeding your soul might be the key to finding happiness, you need. Nourishing your spirit is also essential to do even if you are in a good place, though. It is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and the people you love. All the exercise and healthy eating in the world is not enough if your soul is starving.
Likewise, you can search for happiness your entire life, but if you are neglecting yourself, you will never find it. So, learn to live in the moment, be thankful for what you have and where you are by indulging in as much food for the soul as you can.