Feeling overwhelmed by the news of hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and the economy? There are plenty of things to stress about. Where can you find resilience and why is resilience important? Resilience is needed to process and overcome hardship. Those lacking resilience may get easily overwhelmed, and may turn to unhealthy coping skills. Resilient people tap into their strengths and support systems to overcome challenges and work through problems.
The following list offers some ways to activate your brain to the release of feel-good hormones. These self-care practices are grounded in neuroscience. They will help you go from feeling overwhelmed to feeling calmer.
- Take some time to be in nature, whether it’s a walk or an outing to a park. Research shows that the chemicals produced by trees and plants can have a healing effect. Japanese call it “Forest Bathing.” A new study from the University of Nottingham finds “Forest Bathing” can boost immunity and help keep your heart and lungs healthy.
- Gratitude is one of the best ways to destress. Close your eyes and call up an image of someone for whom you are grateful. Take a moment to immerse yourself in the feeling of receiving what they bring you, even putting your hand on your heart. Stay with it until you feel the gratitude and appreciation.
- Stop and connect to your breath and your five senses. This grounds you in the present moment and breaks the chatter and worry in your brain. Spend two minutes breathing deeply and slowly. As you stop to take a breath, take in what you see and hear, taste and touch.
- When you need a break from the negative chatter, put on uplifting music or movie and become present to really hearing and seeing the movie. This helps ground yourself.
- Add movement like taking a walk to shake off uncomfortable emotions or get up a dance with fun music. Get out of your head and into your body helps eliminate fear and worry.
- Take a moment to find the awe and wonder in your day. Looking up at the night sky is an easy one. Or imagine the joy of a young child exploring her world.
These joy boosters will help you balance out negative news and to build resilience. Make time to add a few to lift your spirits.
Wishing you and your family the best!
Vicki
Vicki Atlas Israel is an Author, Speaker, Training Consultant, and Meditation Mindset Coach. #1 NYTimes Bestselling Author Jack Canfield, co-creator of “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” wrote the Foreword to Vicki’s book, “Inner Power NOW.” Vicki is passionate about helping high-achieving professionals, parents and children to stress less and add more joy. Contact us to book a complimentary Inner Power Breakthrough Session with Vicki.
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