10 Tips for Navigating Difficult Times
Lately I’ve been feeling the heaviness of these challenging times we’re all living through on Planet Earth.
Here are some strategies I find helpful:
Take action - whatever you feel called to, such as donating to Australia wildfire relief, letter writing for political campaigns, or giving to the local food bank. Doing something, even if it seems small, helps with feelings of overwhelm and helplessness.
Self-compassion. Know that you are doing your best. Whatever challenges are happening in your personal life and/or the world, don’t add self-criticism or feeling overly responsible. You deserve to be happy and live a good life.
Good self-care - whatever nurtures you. Time with loved ones, time alone. Laughter and elevating your mood. Prioritize joy. Creativity. Eat in ways that truly nourish you. Rest.
Optimism. Keep believing that things can and will get better. Our brains have a negativity bias, tending to pessimism. Shifting to a more balanced perspective takes conscious intent and practice. Rather than focusing on all the bad things that could happen, expect positive outcomes. And know that you can cope with whatever happens.
Fall in love with life again. Recall your best memories, the ones that really make you happy. Imagine all the wonderful things you want to do in the future. Let yourself savor the good feelings.
Beauty. Flowers. Nature.
Feel all your emotions, including the painful ones, but don’t get stuck in them. Know that you have a choice in how you feel. If it seems like you don’t, find help to shift that.
Focus on what is going well, the big things and the small things. Gratitude for everything.
Spiritual connection, whatever that means to you. Feel your connection to something greater than yourself. Pray. Meditate. Journal.
Community. Reach out to people who lift you up. Set good boundaries with anyone who brings you down. Reach out to people you can help.
Our world needs your kindness, compassion, empathy, creativity, and courage now more than ever. Please take good care of yourself!
What helps you navigate through difficult times?
Send an email to liz@happybrainlife.com and let me know.
Hugs,
Liz
