Finding Inner Calm: A Foolproof Approach to Peace Amidst Uncertainty

Is the future a source of angst for you in these whirlwind times? You are not alone. Since 2020, our mental health has been on a roller coaster. According to an international study, depression and anxiety rates have exploded by more than 25% (Mayo Clinic staff, 2020).

It’s anxiety that’s usually palpable, coming from a number of places: the rise in grocery store prices, retirement savings being siphoned dry, and the drumbeat of disturbing headlines about climate change, pandemics, and geopolitical strife. You might sometimes feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of those issues, but it is important to remember that while you have limited powers concerning external events, you do possess a profound power of influence over your response to them.

Now let’s plunge into the fail-safe formula to cultivate peace in chaos.

Coming Home to Yourself: Self-Care in Turbulent Times

1. Feed the body:

Think of your body as part of your soul and treat it with love and respect. It requires nutrition to develop energy and strength in the body. Consume whole foods-integrate colorful fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins-into your diet at least five portions a day. Limit added sugars, salt, and saturated fat because these dull the spirit and drain energy from the body.

2. Moving Your Body:

Dancing through life can be a potent antidote to despair! The research says regular exercise works just as well as antidepressants for many people. So, lace up those sneakers, find those activities that make your heart sing, and scatter them throughout your week. Feeling the sun on your skin or the breeze in your hair while you’re exercising can amplify your mood tenfold.

3. Pursue Sweet Slumber:

Ah, the elusive sleep! Most adults need between 7 and 8 hours of restorative rest. If racing thoughts keep you from entering dreamland, then write them down in your journal to set them aside gently for another day. Bid farewell to caffeine and alcohol in the evening; invite in the evening rituals that herald tranquility-perhaps the indulgence of a warm bath or flipping through a favorite book.

4. Accept Reality:

Anxiety has for its strange bedfellow the denial of inconvenient truths. Make your peace with reality instead. Instead of bemoaning what you wish was different, seek solutions. Acceptance is a powerful tool that opens the doors to clarity.

5. Practice Positivity in Your Thoughts:

And looking on the bright side might be an impossible task in dim times, but it is indeed worth trying! Be grateful and look out for stories of hope and resilience. Shed light on the uplifting news: community heroes head-on with battles, acts of kindness and courage blossoming even in adversity.

6. Breathe Deeply:

Harness your breath-your constant companion! Deep breathing will get you through stormy emotional weather. Take a few minutes and breathe long and deep, paying more attention to the length of your exhalation. You may want to check out other ways of breathing through classes or online tutorials as another way to bring grace into your movements.

7. Stretch and Release Tension:

Turn into a body detective! Find out where tension likes to hide in your body and unlock those places with gentle stretches. Work stretching into your daily rituals as a very pleasant practice-uncoiling your body, calming your mind. Get up, shake the day off, and enjoy freedom of movement.

8. Declutter Your Space:

The surrounding environment can mirror the inside. A clear space creates a clear mind. Take responsibility for cleaning up your space, home, and workplace, with extra clutter weighing you down. In this clean space, you’ll feel you have to think with clarity and be free.

Caring for Social Connections during Times of Turbulence

1. Nourish your relationships:

Take time to interact with family and friends, and shared laughter will help salve a hurting heart. Set up movie nights and coffee dates, and on days when life can get just too busy, turn errand-running into a bonding adventure.

2. Share Your Feelings:

Open the door to your inner world by sharing your feelings. Let others know when life gets tough, and don’t hesitate to ask for support. Have hearty conversations that lighten the burdens of solitude and consider keeping a journal as a way to channel your emotions with clarity.

3. Laugh Together:

Don’t underestimate the power of laughter! Share old and new jokes, playful outlandish stories from your life, and silly games and playful antics. Have a night of charades or send small presents that bring delight-self-deprecation can be the best medicine!

4. Break Bread Together:

There is something very special about mealtimes. Share healthy food with lively discussion. Share in menu planning and preparation-too, the lack of electronics during these times makes for a fuller experience.

5. Give Back Generously:

There is so much joy in giving. Volunteer your time or perform random acts of kindness. These things lift your spirits and give you that feeling of being part of something much bigger than yourself.

6. Advocate for Yourself:

Healthy relationships are when both people support each other. Set boundaries that protect your spirit, and ensure the interactions that are supposed to be nurturing provide concrete support beyond emotional validation.

While you are in this quagmire of your times, let your relationships-with yourself and others-be that nugget of gold. And with just a little bit of effort and intention, you just might hold onto your piece of mind as you thrive in the middle of the storm. Embrace your resilience and boldly step forward into the light of possibility!

References

Mayo Clinic staff. (2020, October 15). COVID-19: How to manage your mental health during the crisis. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/mental-health-covid-19/art-20482731