The landscape of our entire political and cultural environment is rapidly shifting. We are inundated daily with information from various sources, and much of the narrative seems to be driven from a place of power, distrust and even revenge rather than from a caring place of acceptance and common humanity. While some seem to go about their daily lives as though nothing has changed, others feel the enormity of the shift. This stress and uncertainty can impact sleep, energy, relationships, work, and even financial stability. While we live through these historical and uncertain times, it is essential to cultivate and experience inner peace and joy. Your ability to do so directly greatly affects your well-being and your ability to share your gifts and love with others
While it is important to stay informed, focusing on your personal well-being is equally important, if not more so. Focusing on how YOU are doing means caring for both your physical and emotional well-being. It is from this place of greater wellness that you can best share your gifts with others. And right now, your community, friends, loved ones and peers can benefit from the kindness, joy and resilience you have to offer. By taking care of YOU, you become part of the healing ripple.
Ten ways to cultivate peace and joy, even in these challenging times.
First, Focus on Yourself
- Acknowledge ALL Your Emotions. It’s ok to feel negative emotions, including anger. It’s a natural state of being. Awareness of these feelings, along with acknowledgment and acceptance, gives you the power to let them pass. If needed, slowly take a few deep breaths, in and out, slowly, allowing the emotions to pass. If the feelings become overwhelming, be sure to seek the appropriate support for your well-being.
- Do things that bring you joy. When you experience joy, such as dancing for a few minutes, many wonderful changes are triggered in your body.
- Focus on the Present. Concentrate on today. What do you need today to support your inner balance? When you operate from a place of inner balance, you are better equipped to lead with resilience, integrity and hope. Day 3 of the downloadable eBook below provides a self-check tool to quickly identify where you need extra self-care to feel and be your best for that day.
- Limit Your Time on Social Media and News Channels. Restrict your time on social media and news, choosing a few trusted sources as your go-to for information. If you must focus on many sources, set time limits around doing so. If you get stuck in doomscrolling, take note, remind yourself you cannot take on all the world’s problems, and step aside to a healthy action, such as walking, talking with a friend, or practicing a craft.
- What are the lessons? As humans, we all share suffering in our lives. Even in challenging times, there are lessons to be learned and good to be celebrated. Anger might reveal your passions, while sadness shows where you care.
Now, Take Action and Focus on Others
- Take Action Toward Goals. Continue learning and moving forward with your goals. While it is necessary to take time for inner reflection, forward action toward goals is a healthy way to maintain balance.
- Define Your Desired State of Being. If you were to share a feeling, a sense of ‘being’ with others by your mere presence, what would you want to share? Peace, joy, resilience? Once you define your desired state of being, make a daily effort to embody it. How you show up impacts those around you.
- Serve Others. Serving can be healing. Look for ways you can help and support others. Consider making a phone call, sending a care package or supporting a business. Or perhaps you can advocate for others or simply be willing to listen, without judgement, to another in need.
- BalanceUP Your Well-Being! Pay attention to ALL aspects of your well-being. This includes the quality of your sleep, nutrition, connecting with others, and your spiritual and emotional needs.
- Practice Kindness. Above all, be kind to yourself and others. This is the perfect opportunity to practice self-compassion and compassion towards others. Because ultimately, we are in this together!
Two More Actions to Enhance Your Journey
Create a Holistic Daily Routine: Download the eBook “Live a More Balanced and Joyful Life with Compromised Health” to learn 5 daily actions for a better life. You’ll receive coaching emails over the course of 5 days to help you put these practices into action.
Even if your health is great, you can use this as a guide to support your journey towards optimal well-being.
Practice in community: Join us for one or more of our BalanceUP Community workshops, events, and activities. All activities are geared towards helping you live from a place of less stress and more balance. Many are free, including our 15-minute Mindful Moment sessions that is offered three times weekly.
As you navigate these challenging times, remember that learning how to cultivate peace and joy is not just a personal journey but a gift to those around you. By embracing these practices, you not only enhance your own well-being but also contribute to a more compassionate and resilient community.
Moment to Ponder: How can you use your current challenges as opportunities to grow and share more peace and joy with others? What stressor do you most need to manage to do so?
