Oh, my friends, the level of stress has skyrocketed over the past 5 months, both on a personal and societal level. Unemployment, child care and education, separation from loved ones, and of course health, have all undergone a radical shift and we are left to deal with the ramifications of all of that change in our daily lives. Plus, the intense situation with social injustice has heightened our turmoil as well, with images of brutality, peaceful and not so peaceful protests displayed on TV and social media. What is a person to do to maintain (or recover) a calm mind and a sense of equanimity? Is that even possible, or even responsible?
While there is much going on that is beyond our control, there is still a field that is not subject to the volatility of what’s “out there.” And that is our internal state; our deepest core, our true essence. While tempers and troubles boil away on the outside, there is a peaceful place within each of us that we can tap into, anytime, anywhere.
Please understand I am not suggesting we simply hide from the conditions of our world right now. However, if we charge out into that world in an agitated, angered state, we only add to the turmoil. It is wise, not naive nor irresponsible, to pause, go within, and recenter ourselves on a regular basis.
Below are 3 methods to center and soothe yourself. Know that you do your clearest thinking and are at your most effective when your mind is clear and your heart is calm.
Meditate. It might be intimidating to begin, but I think of meditation like flower beds – some may be more beautiful than others, but it’s all good. I’ve never seen a flower bed and thought, “Yuck, how ugly, they shouldn’t have done that!” Likewise, any meditation you do is better than none, and it has never been easier to begin meditating than it is now. There are great apps like Calm and Headspace, not to mention hundreds of free guided meditations on YouTube, if you’d like help getting started. The benefits are massive and you don’t have to be a master to access the rewards. Consistency is important though.
Limit your exposure to the news. Just because we are surrounded with news 24/7 doesn’t mean we need to give it our attention. Lately I’ve begun watching the BBC World News and really enjoy it. They cover news from all over the world but do so in that calm, staid English fashion and it feels informative, not inflammatory. Whatever you choose to watch, I suggest limiting it to no more than 30 minutes per day.
Do something regularly that brings you joy. Again, we do no favors for ourselves, our family, or anyone if we are always feeling confused, angry or despairing. My oldest daughter has started painting watercolors and finds great enjoyment in learning and expressing through that craft. What brings you joy? Playing with pets, snuggling up with a great novel, crushing a HIIT workout, or sitting outside at sunset? Get in touch with what brings you joy and do it regularly.
These are unprecedented and chaotic times we are all going through right now, and it takes skills we may not have yet developed to navigate these waters with some form of sanity or grace. Consciously doing activities that allow you to touch base with your quiet, still center will relax your body, calm your mind and refresh your spirit. Win, win, win.
If you feel like you could use some support with stress management (or any other aspect of life these days), schedule a coaching session here. I would love to talk with you!
