Here are some of our suggestions for staying grounded in turbulent times.
Finding Your Wise Mind
The Overwhelm of Daily Life
In a chaotic world, it’s easy to get swept away by the constant, overwhelming stream of daily news and event updates. Political turmoil and other big developments in our lives can try every last bit of our patience and presence. Feeling overwhelmed, disoriented, hopeless, angry, frustrated, and exhausted are a few emotions we experience.
The Need for Balance
While these emotions are warranted, our nervous systems aren’t equipped to handle perpetual outrage, exhaustion, or overwhelm. For sustainability, we have to practice pausing and asking, “How do I want to, or how can I respond today? What is effective?"
Practicing Wise Mind
At Lotus, we can teach you and practice Wise Mind with you. This is the intersection of our emotional mind and logical mind, finding your center even in times of chaos.
Choosing How to Respond
From that place, we hold the power to choose how we respond, channeling emotions and energy into meaningful action. This includes intentional daily steps in our valued direction, no matter how trying the times. Even in a crisis, we can still choose how we show up and what the next step we take is. Today you may choose to rely on your support systems, set boundaries, rest, and practice self-care. You may choose to be an agent of change, no matter how small your circle of influence, contributing to and building your community, connecting with and mobilizing friends and resources, while keeping an eye on the fuel in your tank, your current ability, and limitations, all essential in a sustainable journey. Nobody does this alone or depleted. The alternative is chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout because our bodies and minds are not built to remain in perpetual hypervigilance.
To Stay Healthy During Turbulent Times
Nurture and Protect Yourself
Limit Your Exposure to Alarming News You don't need to bury your head in the sand, but there's no need to subject yourself to a constant barrage of news alerts either. Avoid using the news as background noise and stop doom scrolling all day, from when you wake up to before bedtime. Set boundaries for yourself by checking the news, chosen wisely, just once a day. This small adjustment can make a big difference in how you feel and navigate each day and on a cumulative level. Operate from Facts This can feel impossible in this age of “hot news" everywhere—unverified and unchecked. However, reputable sources remain, and often they include internationally based and validated news sources.
Anchor Yourself in Presence and Purpose
Stay Present Even amidst chaos, we can stay present in each moment, whether you truly lock into the conversation with your colleague or child, enjoy mindful breaks throughout the day like catching the sunrise, preparing and eating your meals mindfully, or dropping into your break at the gym or a walk. These small moments of light can be a deep well of resourcefulness. Notice and Highlight Winning Moments As we tell our kids from a young age, look for the helpers and messengers of hope, be steady community leaders, fearless vocal activists, quiet calming guides, present or past, individuals or organizations. Many folks are lending a hand in need, doing important work, and demonstrating success. Pay attention. Lead with Compassion It may seem harder in difficult times, but we always have that choice, even when dealing with folks of differing opinions and views. As they say, we are all fighting our own battles, and ultimately unproductive conflict leads to nowhere good. What’s effective? Practice Gratitude It’s possible even amidst chaos, even if you find 1-2 things a day to acknowledge and be grateful for. Just do it. Maintain Hope Remember your past successes, resources, and resilience as well as that of those who came before you. Plenty of inspiring stories of persistence, wisdom, and triumph are out there. Keep the Basics in Mind What grounds you? Balance of movement and rest, fueling and drinking enough, taking breaks, connecting with your people, getting involved with causes and organizations that matter to you? What anchors and empowers you? Use Available Resources We have a running list at Lotus. Overwhelmed? Struggling? Reach out to us at Lotus Consulting and schedule today. We’re here to help you navigate challenges effectively and help you find your inner calm, clarity and effectiveness.