Struggling to stay grounded amid the chaos? Discover simple, effective techniques to help reduce stress, set boundaries, and focus on what you can control. These strategies can be a great starting point for managing overwhelming emotions.
I think that is a really apt recommendation. You're right - it is not a cure, but can help! Research really supports this, too. We see that ongoing use of mindfulness practices can help with anxiety and stress! Any particular practices that you find helpful?
Hi Alex, Learning what being mindful really means, what mindful meditation is, being willing to give mindful meditation a try and then willing to practice it everyday have all helped move the needle for me. Listening to podcasts and audiobooks addressing my areas of “difference” as a neuro-distinct individual who is dyslexic, and suffers from GAD with bouts of event related depression have also been and continue to be of tremendous value to me. I believe all human beings are broken. Our experiences are different but most overlap in one way or another in varying degrees because no one can escape experiencing trauma. Therapy also helps but our health care system prevents us from getting enough of the right help because we can only see one therapist at a time (each offering their own area(s) of expertise) unless we can afford the extravagant out of pocket costs it would involve for those of us who are privileged enough to have health insurance. There is no one answer or magical potion for all; which means our individual journeys are always going to be haaard. In my third part of my life, I can honestly say I still have so much more to learn; but I know so much more than I did a decade ago, a year ago, last month and yesterday.
Wisdom, insight and personal growth are invaluable. Yet, we all need to understand that those ‘things’ are not something we can wish for or buy. They are gifts we earn if we choose to put in the work no matter how challenging or painful the different stages and circumstances in our lives are. We have to be brave enough to survive a whole lot of ugly times that come with a whole lot of suffering and pain. Most unfortunately, we aren’t given a healthy set of tools to navigate our lives from the get go. Our families, schools and society are all flawed with cracks, flaws with an inherent lack of understanding, compassion and empathy. Sooo we are all left with one choice: to live, make mistakes, suffer through many painful experiences and LEARN from them if we have the desire. (IMO)
Other strategies: clean (I am currently doing a massive reorganization of my life which includes purging, digitizing and organizing all aspects of my life), color, play with play doh, go for a walk (I live in the snow belt of NE Ohio, it’s cold/snowy and you never know exactly what expect but it’s reinvigorating; just make sure you’re dressed appropriately), spend time with animals (a beloved pet, volunteer at an animal shelter, or borrow a friends), Gratitude/Blessing Journal/List/Jar, Dance, listen/play music, do your hobbies I could go on but I need to get back to work
You're welcome, Michele. There's a lot ahead these next months and years, I'm doing my best not to get burned out in the first few weeks... I hope this can be some help to everyone.
I would definitely add recommending learning and practicing daily mindful meditation! It’s not a cure all but it absolutely helps.
Hi Diane,
I think that is a really apt recommendation. You're right - it is not a cure, but can help! Research really supports this, too. We see that ongoing use of mindfulness practices can help with anxiety and stress! Any particular practices that you find helpful?
Hi Alex, Learning what being mindful really means, what mindful meditation is, being willing to give mindful meditation a try and then willing to practice it everyday have all helped move the needle for me. Listening to podcasts and audiobooks addressing my areas of “difference” as a neuro-distinct individual who is dyslexic, and suffers from GAD with bouts of event related depression have also been and continue to be of tremendous value to me. I believe all human beings are broken. Our experiences are different but most overlap in one way or another in varying degrees because no one can escape experiencing trauma. Therapy also helps but our health care system prevents us from getting enough of the right help because we can only see one therapist at a time (each offering their own area(s) of expertise) unless we can afford the extravagant out of pocket costs it would involve for those of us who are privileged enough to have health insurance. There is no one answer or magical potion for all; which means our individual journeys are always going to be haaard. In my third part of my life, I can honestly say I still have so much more to learn; but I know so much more than I did a decade ago, a year ago, last month and yesterday.
Wisdom, insight and personal growth are invaluable. Yet, we all need to understand that those ‘things’ are not something we can wish for or buy. They are gifts we earn if we choose to put in the work no matter how challenging or painful the different stages and circumstances in our lives are. We have to be brave enough to survive a whole lot of ugly times that come with a whole lot of suffering and pain. Most unfortunately, we aren’t given a healthy set of tools to navigate our lives from the get go. Our families, schools and society are all flawed with cracks, flaws with an inherent lack of understanding, compassion and empathy. Sooo we are all left with one choice: to live, make mistakes, suffer through many painful experiences and LEARN from them if we have the desire. (IMO)
Other strategies: clean (I am currently doing a massive reorganization of my life which includes purging, digitizing and organizing all aspects of my life), color, play with play doh, go for a walk (I live in the snow belt of NE Ohio, it’s cold/snowy and you never know exactly what expect but it’s reinvigorating; just make sure you’re dressed appropriately), spend time with animals (a beloved pet, volunteer at an animal shelter, or borrow a friends), Gratitude/Blessing Journal/List/Jar, Dance, listen/play music, do your hobbies I could go on but I need to get back to work
Excellent advice!
This is the post we all needed today. Thank you Alex.
You're welcome, Michele. There's a lot ahead these next months and years, I'm doing my best not to get burned out in the first few weeks... I hope this can be some help to everyone.
I put it on my FB - and people are grateful for the tips. It is so helpful. I appreciate you. Hanging in there together ✌🏼