Welcome back to another trimester!
If you’re anything like me, the short breaks between classes are a much-needed time to hit pause, reset, and realign not just academically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually, too. Over break, I spent some intentional time checking in with myself, reflecting on the last trimester, and tuning into what my body really needs right now. Spoiler alert: meditation, grounding, silence, oils and sound were my go-tos.
Meditation looks different for everyone.
For me, it’s a chance to slow the brain down, clear out any lingering bad energy, and come back to center. I like to pair my meditation with essential oils by choosing blends that either calm or balance depending on how I’m feeling that day.
Sound is also huge for me. I’ve built a chakra-focused playlist with tracks that vibe with each of the seven chakras. I switch it up based on what my body seems to be responding to at the moment. One of my goals through meditation is to really focus on balancing these energy centers, especially when stress starts to stack up.
This break I finally got into grounding. Being outside barefoot in the grass? 10/10 recommend. But I also tried something new tree grounding. Yep, just sitting at the base of a tree with my back resting against the trunk. Sounds simple, but it felt powerful. There’s something about that deep Earth connection that really hits differently.
Silence is not easy for me. I’m usually surrounded by noise, music, or podcasts 24/7. So carving out actual silence felt kind of awkward at first…but wow, it made a difference. I’ve started to really crave those quiet moments now. It helps my mind breathe a little. As we dive into another trimester don’t forget to take care of you. We’re studying to help others feel better, but we’ve got to be in alignment ourselves first.
So, here’s your challenge: try one new self-care thing this trimester. Maybe something you’ve been curious about for a while, or even something that seems a little out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s breathwork, journaling, qigong, or even just more sleep—give it a shot.
You never know what practice might become your new favorite ritual!
Learn more about Carly’s acupuncture & herbal medicine program journey.