TLDR

too long didn't read

• Acknowledging Overwhelm: Addressing the overwhelming nature of current events and personal challenges, I empathize with readers who may feel burdened by the state of the world and their own lives, highlighting the importance of self-care and emotional well-being.

• Strategies for Coping: Offering practical strategies for coping with stress and negative emotions, I suggest taking breaks from media consumption, engaging in activities that promote relaxation and connection, and practicing exercises to shift perspectives and alleviate feelings of isolation.

• Tools for Emotional Resilience: Drawing from "The Charisma Myth" by Olivia Fox Cabane, I introduce exercises such as Responsibility Transfer and Destigmatizing Discomfort to help readers manage their emotions and foster a sense of connection with others.

• Taking Action: Encouraging readers to focus on small, manageable actions that contribute to personal well-being, support friends, or address societal issues, I emphasize the importance of taking proactive steps despite feelings of overwhelm or inadequacy.

• Guided Meditation: Providing a guided meditation exercise to cultivate compassion, gratitude, and positive intention towards oneself and others, I invite readers to envision positive outcomes and contribute to collective well-being through intentional thoughts and actions.

• Community and Connection: Reminding readers of the power of community and human connection, I advocate for kindness, empathy, and understanding towards oneself and others, emphasizing the ripple effect of positive interactions and gestures of support.

• Encouragement and Self-Compassion: Expressing vulnerability and humility in offering advice, I encourage readers to be gentle with themselves and recognize the significance of their efforts, even when they may feel insignificant or inadequate.

• Closing Message: Concluding with a message of hope and encouragement, I express gratitude for the opportunity to inspire and uplift others, reaffirming the value of small acts of kindness and the potential for positive change, one step at a time.

Give Me The Deets!

Tell me the Juicy Details!

Have you recently found yourself overwhelmed by the state of your life and the world? If so, you are not alone! All we have to do is turn on the radio or a random TV channel for a minute to hear about how society is overrun with unemployment, racial tension, and the coronavirus. There is also the issue of our natural environment and climate change; the ever present tension of the world literally and figuratively burning to the ground. This is on top of our normal lives maintaining the happiness and health for ourselves, family, and friends. It is A LOT to say the least. In hopes to help I thought I would share a bit of my own recent journey and a few tips on how I keep a cool head when everything starts to pile up. 

First, if or when you have the opportunity, take a small break. Turn off the news or television. PUT THE PHONE DOWN! Haa! I know. ‘Tis difficult. Remove all that blue screen light. It’s suddenly warmer now and at least your eyes relaxed, right? But really take a breather. Distance yourself from the negative intake. Take a walk, listen to your favorite uplifting playlist, call a friend who makes you laugh, or have a good cry. Whatever works as a break for you that is healthy and helps you feel better. Do that!

When you take a break, you can practice some de-stressing techniques. In a book called “The Charisma Myth” by Olivia Fox Cabane, there is an exercise where we change our perspective to help remind us that we are not alone experiencing these emotions. When I was younger I hated talking about my emotions, and I especially hated telling people how depressed, overwhelmed, and generally terrified I was. When we do not have the outlet or ability to share our negative emotions, they start to alienate us from others. These exercises help alleviate feelings that overwhelm and isolate us.

Thankfully, with practice I am feeling less intense, and I no longer feel embarrassed to admit I am human. That doesn’t mean I don’t have days where old habits sneak up on me. It is really easy to feel like we are alone and drowning in a negative state of mind or emotion. If you want to practice two exercises from the book that help me - they are titled the “Responsibility Transfer” and “Destigmatizing Discomfort”. Access them below:

Second, focus on 1-3 small things that you can do that will help you, a friend, or society in general. Pick something you can reasonably fit into your schedule. This will help remind you that you don’t have to give up or numb out. In the last year, I personally spent a lot of time feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world. Even now, there are moments when I feel like what I do isn’t enough - not even close. Caring doesn’t always feel like it matters. BUT I found a meditation or prayer, if you will, that helps me feel connected to others and gratitude for the good things in life.

If you would like to try something new, you might try this meditation below:

Become connected and conscious of the thing that is overwhelming you. Read about or listen to- generally immerse yourself in the situation that is presently bothering you. Then begin to to shift your perspective to the position of an empathetic alien or God/Divine. Feel compassion for the all beings living and dead who are and have been affected by the situation. This includes feeling compassion for your own pain and suffering as well. Envision people finding compassion, peace, and the solution to their(our) problems. Send all positive wishes to them and the Divine (God, the Universe, Whatever works for you). To end the practice, find one person to help, one cause to donate to, or just one action that will positively impact the situation or a related situation you mediated on. If this is something you are comfortable with, envision your gift, your intention, and your positive energy as it meets with other peoples’ and forces of good. Know that even if you can’t directly see all the good, it is there, and we will continue to create more good in the world - with every intentional thought, word, and action.

Remember that you don’t have to do everything, and you don’t have to do it alone. Focus on starting small and find people who can relate to your feelings. You could have a social distance beach clean up with a couple friends. You could start using fewer plastic bags. By eating a single vegetarian meal a week you can positively impact the environment. Imagine how quickly that adds up! While it may feel like a small thing here or there isn’t good enough, you are making the world better than it would otherwise be. What you do matters.

Lastly, take it easy on yourself and others. You never know what other people are going through. We are all fighting our own battles, and we can always use a smile or a genuine, “How are you today?”. I know it is hard sometimes, especially with our masks on, but give people a wave, use the inflection in your voice or your body language to tell people you are thinking about them positively. Again, making eye contact and having a short conversation (or a long one?) doesn’t seem like a lot, but you never know how you can turn someone else’s day around. You never know how that person might then send your positive attitude forward. 

Confession: I feel silly writing this. It doesn’t feel like it is enough, but I also know if I can encourage just one person, it is worth it. <3

I hope you found this post helpful,

Astrid <3