When You Are Tempted to Yell, Try This
By Sandy Schroeder
In today's world, some of us are given to yelling instead of "taking things day by day," as we deal with the daily wave of fresh chaos. The challenges of our current situation are numerous, and no one seems to escape the repercussions.
Wherever you are with it, WellAndGood.com has some ways to calmly approach life one day at a time. Everything may not be perfect, but their ideas seem a lot better than flipping out.
As we face assorted challenges, it's easy to be anxious about the future and sad about all of the things that have been lost, but there are better things to do.
Psychologists say the ability to stay grounded in the present can go a long way to be mindful and non-judgmental without obsessing about the future. Focusing on short-term goals is a way to calm down and get daily tasks done.
Here are some short-term things to try.
Set aside time to take care of yourself - Reach out to favorite friends and family members with calls, texts and emails. Whip up your favorite breakfast and eat it on the patio. Do a 15-minute stretching or strength workout outside too. When you focus on your own needs, everything may readjust and make more sense. Choose things that you enjoy because you matter.
Remember to say thank you - To remind your family to do so too, you might create a "thank you jar," in which each person can deposit thank yous. If you have a quiet time in the evening before bedtime, you could ask family members to talk about their thank you notes. These positive comments may help everyone sleep more soundly.
Look closely at your world - Be open to everything around you, a lovely song, a new bloom, the bees in the garden, or a call from a longtime friend. In a shifting world, all of the small precious things keep us anchored and receptive to life's many facets. Instead of worrying and obsessing about when all of this will be over, be glad for small positive things that are right in front of you. You might encourage kids to draw, paint or color pictures of foods, pets or plants that they like.
Accept change and fluctuations - I am not big on change, so the amount of daily chaos in today's world is fairly disconcerting for me. But reality says it is easier to sleep and move through the day when I can let go of the reins a little, recognizing that exerting control over everything simply may not happen. Of course we are all going to try to project ahead to a point where things are much better, but it is wise to accept a degree of uncertainty right now.
Some of these suggestions may help you feel more calm and confident. If they work, hang onto them and use them whenever you need them.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Seal Beach, Calif.