5 Ways to Cope Amid Chaos!
There have been less than 20 days in the year 2021, yet the insurrection which took place on Wednesday, January 6th, 2021, has put a complete strain on our country. It is hard to know what to do when most people in their lifetime have never seen anything like what happened on America's soil before. Many have, had a hard time processing what they had witnessed and are feeling so many mixed emotions that they do not know what to do with, so they are bottling it up and having anxiety and mental attacks. Coping does not have to be hard; there are many things one can do to balance their various sensations as they manage what they are going through during these times.
Here are five tactics that can help you work through the feelings that may be going on within you from what has happened around you and in the United States as of late.
5 Ways to Cope Amid Chaos
1. Journal
· As we always say here at EN&T, writing is one of the best ways to destress and release whatever may be on the mind. If you have not already, please consider giving journaling a try. Writing is a powerful tool to help release what may be going on in within you and around you. It is a great way to express how you feel about what you experienced from viewing what had happened in Washington, D.C., whether you were near or far.
· Draw what you feel even if you are not an artist by trade, use your creativity to express how you feel through artwork. Sticks or whatever is perfectly fine; leave the judging of yourself at the door.
2. Talk about it
· Use your voice to express yourself to trusted friends who will listen and not judge how you feel about the events that have taken place. Thus far, what has happened can be very hard to process on your own and could be very problematic to your mental health. So, it is imperative to release all emotions healthily.
3. Yoga/Exercise
· Exercising is one of the best ways to cope with chaos, as it helps release much of the body's tension; the more intense you make your workout, the better. On the other hand, you can calm your body and spirit while being a little gentler to your body by participating in yoga if an exercise program is not what you are up for at the moment. A casual walk for fifteen to thirty minutes may be helpful as well.
4. Bath
· Yes, something as little as soaking in a bathtub can help resolve loads of stress and anxiety off the body, especially those caused by the chaos we have all witnessed recently. So, get your bubble bath ready with some soothing music and maybe a candle, and you are good to go. Speak some positive affirmations to yourself before and after the soak to help improve one's mood.
· A sitz shower can be beneficial too. Switching between hot and cold every few minutes is helpful with blood circulation and reducing inflammation. Try a sitz bath or shower or both.
5. Prayer/Mediation
· Pray for what you need and be as specific as possible when doing so. (Ex, peace, calm, discernment, faith, hope, etc.) Prayers are helpful on so many levels. They can help you improve your mood when feeling down.
· Get quiet, clear your mind, go within, and be still in the moment to hear whatever thoughts come your way. If any ideas appear to be negative, release them, and affirm them if they are positive.
· Take some deep breathes throughout the day to relax.
. Try the box method. It will help relieve anxiety and stress rather quickly. Simple breathe in for 4, hold your breath for four, and blow out for 4. Give the boxer method a go for a minimum of 4 cycles to feel a difference in your body.
Conclusion
It is true we are living in some unsettling times, but we do not have to be stressed out about the chaos, there are things we can do to help us relax and move forward.
Lastly, get inspired by our previous Martin Luther King Jr. blog post. Many of the quotes listed are indeed food for the soul and are beneficial during these tumultuous times. They bring a perspective that could change mind shifts for the better. We love how Martin Luther King Jr. said "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." AMEN!
#Calm #Chaos #Martin Luther King Jr. Day #Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes #Martin Luther King Jr.