In the past few weeks, I’ve noticed that stress levels are rising. Prospective clients are seeking services because they “can’t calm down to think,” and taking deep breaths is becoming essential to all of us.
I understand that tensions are high worldwide, and laughing isn’t what it used to be.
I’m going to suggest a few things to help people in this storm that we’re in. You don’t need to spend money to do these things—you only need to keep it simple.
- You are not alone in this! Everyone is feeling this stress, and at this point in time, community is more important that ever.
- Take a look out your window and notice that there is a world out there. Then go out and find something in nature to be grateful for. A fallen leaf, the sky, the sun, or a tree. We learned this as children in school, and as adults our societies have taken it from us. It is time we restore ourselves to what sanity we can!
- Hold those you love close. Cherish the ones you love. You may not have biological family. You may have a chosen family. Share time together.
- Share a meal with others where you all contribute to the bounty on the table. Connection builds new relationships.
- Kindness goes a long way. Kindness done with an open heart can touch another person in powerful ways. Pay it forward because the person you touch with kindness may need your gift.
- Love your fur friends? Take extra time to pet, walk, play with, and nurture them. They can, and do, sense your stress. They’ll love you unconditionally if you let them. OK, I know, dogs have masters, and cats have staff; they will seek you out. My cat did, and in that time of need she curled up like the lovely fur family member she was.
- Meditate.
- Discover exercise because your body will thank you, and it helps with the stress levels.
- Try “grounding” yourself. If you can, go outside and take your shoes off. Stand in the grass and let yourself sense the earth. Notice what happens.
- Take a nice warm bath or shower. Notice how the water feels on your skin.
- Smile and say hello to someone that you don’t know.
- Share a treat with someone.
- Set boundaries. Say no, because too much on your plate it not a sign of anything but not being able to set healthy boundaries for yourself and others.
- Practice taking mental health days. Time off from everything will create focus for yourself and enable you to return to your life relaxed and ready to meet the day.
- Create time to enjoy your favorite meal. Have lots of it! If you can, share the meal. It is your reward, and rewards are important.
It is my personal belief that when we care for ourselves, we also care for others, and in doing this self-care the world becomes a happier and healthier place. So, if for no other reason, do it for the betterment of the world we all live in.