It’s not easy to be mindful on a good day let alone when times are tough. After all, staying grounded is a physical exercise as much as it is a mental one. Think about it for a second. Do you get an upset stomach, headache, chest pain, and reduced energy when you’re feeling stressed, depressed, or anxious? It’s time to pay closer attention to your body so that it’s easier to get a grip on your mind—even during difficult times. Here are some tips to help you feel better in body, mind, and soul no matter what life throws your way.
Remember to Breathe
This may sound rudimentary, but a single deep breath can help your body regulate itself after feelings of stress, fear, or anxiety, which in turn can help you stay grounded and centered. Make an effort to incorporate mindful breathing into your schedule. Ideally, during uncertain times, you’ll want to carve out around 15 minutes a day for a week and then a few times a week thereafter. Don’t let that overwhelm you. Why not kill two birds with one stone by incorporating some meditation techniques at the same time? In fact, the two practices go hand-in-hand.
Meditation is free and can be done anywhere in the world—including your home. If you’ve never meditated before, you may find it hard to focus at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s likely that you won’t be able to do without it because it reduces stress, increases concentration, and improves sleeping habits. There are several YouTube videos and apps like Calm; Headspace; or Stop, Breathe & Think that take the guesswork out of the meditation/breathing process.
Implement Self-Care Practices
Self-care can be defined as getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, drinking enough water, ditching vices like smoking and excessive drinking, and eating a healthful diet. While those are all important elements when it comes to staying healthy and feeling good from the inside out, difficult times are an opportunity to up the ante on your spiritual self-care routine so that you stay grounded in your thoughts, too.
For example, make it a point to unplug from electronics for a certain time period each day—especially if what you’re reading/watching is making you upset. Benefits include better sleep, an increase in creativity, improved relationships, greater self-esteem, and a better grasp of your needs and wants. Take time to clear the clutter within your living space so that you’re less stressed and more focused. If you’re holding a grudge, exercise the power of forgiveness—it will be like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. Start or end your day with affirmations that banish negative energy while increasing self-esteem and confidence.
Get a Hold of Your Emotions
When your emotions run wild so does your imagination—and vice versa. You’ll find it difficult to stay grounded during difficult times if you don’t get a hold of your emotions. When you encounter an unpleasant situation, try to avoid reacting right away as this can only trigger some irrational emotional thoughts. Try to find a healthy outlet to channel your feelings such as exercise (read: mood-boosting endorphins), phoning a loved one, or engaging in a hobby that you enjoy. Replace any negative thoughts with positive or constructive ones (look at the big picture) and above all, forgive yourself when your emotions go haywire.
Start a Gratitude Journal
When times are tough, it’s easier to focus on the negative things than the positive ones, but that’s not going to help you stand on your own two feet. Writing down what you’re grateful for in a journal can be a constructive way to show you that things could be worse. Even little things like your spouse cooking your favorite meal, finishing a good book, and having a virtual happy hour with friends count so write it all down.
Book a Psychic Reading
Sometimes, no matter how much you may try, it can be difficult to stay grounded. Perhaps you feel scared, lost, stuck, or confused. A psychic can help you obtain the clarity you need through a reading. Afterward, all of the aforementioned exercises will be more effective because you’ll have the clarity and guidance you need to move forward. Book a reading with one of our advisors today. We’re always here for you when you need us, 24/7, especially during these uncertain times.