I am new to the world of blogging and social networking. I have to admit that some days my head is left spinning after reading so many different bloggers’ perspectives, and discovering yet another must-read natural health site that broadcasts the latest and greatest research findings.

I often feel left behind in the dust, with no recent tweets and updates on Facebook to grab everyone’s attention. It is a never-ending battle to keep up with all of the information that is being broadcast every single second!

When is enough, enough?

Why do we continually look for the answers “out there” on the information highway? We may spend hours, days and sleepless nights searching for those hidden gems that will make us lose weight, find the path to happiness and cure that ailment that we are suffering from.

Why are we moving away from looking inward?

The internet is a blessing and a curse. It promises quick fixes and spoils us rotten by giving us any answer (true or false) with the click of a button. We are expected to do more and know more because of it. We also tend to compare ourselves to others when on Facebook, Twitter or someone else’s blog. Your friend from high school (who you haven’t seen in 20 years) looks like she is leading the perfect life, but is she really? It is amazing what a couple of photos and a few status updates can make us perceive.

It takes more time to look inward and ask ourselves the hard questions like, “What do I need to do to live a happier, more fulfilling life?”. Unfortunately the answer isn’t found with the click of a button. When you do find the answer, it will be a million times more valuable than any quick fix you just found online.

Don’t get me wrong, I rely on the internet to do patient research, look up herb-drug-nutrient interactions and depletions, and find out the newest and greatest health findings. But I continually have to remind myself to step away from the computer and look within to get the most valuable answers.

So, just how do we get back in touch with ourselves?

Sit in silence. Yes, that’s right…in absolute silence, doing absolutely nothing. Just be with yourself and see how it feels. It could be for five minutes or for an hour. Fit it in at least once a day.

Get outside. Nature always brings us back to the truth and calms our mind. Go for a walk, or sit on the porch or in the park. Take it all in.

Ground yourself. Not in the “you’ve been bad” way, but actually make physical contact with the earth. You can sit on a tree stump, lie on the beach, walk barefoot or hug a tree (yes, I know, that is very stereotypically Naturopathic!). This can help dispel any electromagnetic radiation that you were exposed to during the day, which can augment anxiety and throw off your natural balance.

Breathe deeply. Inhale fully, hold for several counts, and then exhale fully. Repeat, and repeat again.

Try something new. Break out of your routine, whether you walk home a new way, try a new exercise class or pick up a new hobby. This will help you learn more about yourself in different situations.

Focus on your accomplishments. Remind yourself of all the great things you have done today and what you are grateful for. There are always going to be a million more things to do, but I am sure you can be proud of and grateful for many things.

Remember, the answers are found within. All of that other information is just sugar-free icing on that gluten-and-dairy-free cake!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed healthcare practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed healthcare professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.