I came to Taos a week ago with a frayed nervous system. I’m leaving restored ~ peaceful, grounded, and deeply reconnected with my husband.

This summer, I set beautiful intentions: deepen my meditation practice, declutter our house for a first-time home exchange, and grow my work in its new focus of Story Medicine. 

But life had other plans.

Between preparing our Sedona home (can anyone say, “Five years of creative clutter!” 😜), hosting our first home-exchange guests, launching a bestselling book, attending a high-stakes event in Austin, and grieving the sudden loss of my dear friend Giselle, my nervous system cried out for help.

By the time we packed for Taos, I was exhausted. I was snapping at my husband and melting down over seemingly small things. The road trip itself was chaotic: a late departure, an unexpectedly-canceled hotel reservation, and a dog who mirrored our stress by refusing to eat.

And then… Taos. We arrived, exhaled, and something shifted. Within a day, my body began to soften. My heart opened. Here’s what I rediscovered: Seven soul tips for restoring your nervous system (and maybe your relationship, too):

Tip 1: Friends Who Love You

On the way, we visited friends on their farm. They hugged us, affirmed us, and poured us the best chocolate milk I’ve ever tasted, straight from their cow, with real Mexican cacao mixed in. Their compassion reminded me: loving friends are medicine.

Tip 2: Breathe Nature In

When we arrived at our cabin, silence wrapped around us. Birdsong, bees, and wind in the trees replaced the noise of deadlines and to-do lists. We breathed it in like holy air. We all need times to do nothing but breathe.

Tip 3: If It Feels Good, Give It to Yourself

After 24 hours, my husband and I looked at each other and said, “Let’s stay longer.” And we did. Sometimes self-care means giving yourself more of what works, without apology. Like the yummy cacao fresh cow’s milk, staying longer in Taos was a gift.

Tip 4: Keep It Simple

Our tiny cabin had space for one book, one journal, and one change of clothes each. The simplicity was a balm. Back home, I’m planning to clear another quarter of my closet. Less stuff equals more peace.

Tip 5: Make Space to Flow

In Taos there were appointments, no pressure. I could move between writing, yoga, and naps at will. Flexibility is the opposite of burnout. Yes, I’m grateful for my creative work, including teaching, coaching, and interviews. But I also need downtime for restoration ~ big time.

Tip 6: Seek Newness

Every day, we experienced something fresh: the Rio Grande Gorge, Pueblo Taos, the Hanuman temple, mountain hikes, and yes ~ swimming in our underwear in a hidden swimming hole. New experiences bring aliveness to the soul.

Tip 7: Dive Deep with Your Beloved

On this trip we used every tool in our relationship toolkit, and we needed them all: rituals of deep listening, ancestral healing with constellation stones, long talks, and plenty of cuddling. If you travel with someone you love, use the time to truly reconnect.

By the time we left, my nervous system was no longer frayed. It was humming. Simplicity, silence, nature, newness, and love ~ that’s the recipe I’ll keep coming back to.

How about you? What’s your favorite way to restore when life feels too full?