Four Daily Practices to Help You Through Hard Times
It took me years to realize this, but as much as we would like to think life will eventually let up on us and “one day” things will calm down, they don't. I can't tell you how much time and energy I wasted trying to control everything happening around me in hopes to prevent all the things I worried about from coming true.
Just the daily grind is often a source of stress, but when you get hit with the unthinkable, it can quickly make you feel lost, flustered, and stuck.
Two weeks ago, the unthinkable happened in my life, and to be honest it knocked me down hard. I found myself feeling completely overwhelmed and lost. There were so many moments everything seemed like a blur and I struggled to grasp reality. I'm still trying to navigate how to heal, but there are a few things that help me through some of the more difficult moments that I want to share with you. The habits I have created in my life are my anchor to help pull me out of a really tough situation.
Focusing on what I have to be grateful for. Even though it is really easy to focus on loss and what is lacking in our lives, there is always something to be grateful for. In those really hard moments, start small. For me, it was the warm breeze I felt when I stepped outside, the rainbow in the sky, the hug from my children, and the love and support from the people around me. I write these things down every day.
I change my physiology to release the tension that builds up. Here's one of my practices: Stand up, unclench your jaw, relax your eyes, soften your tongue, take several deep breaths, and shake your body out. Do this as often as you need to. It really works.
Get outside. Nature and sunlight have amazing healing properties. Taking a walk in nature brings me a lot of peace and has helped tremendously.
Give yourself grace and self-compassion. Acknowledge the progress you have made and go easy on yourself without feeling guilty during the hard moments.
I don't know what you are going through in this moment, but none of us make it through life unscathed. Start by adding just one of these and see how you feel. Take just the smallest step forward each day and celebrate that. I hope this helps guide you and bring you peace in your life.