Learn tips on how to be the light in the darkness.
The stress of day-to-day living can feel overwhelming; these are truly challenging times to feel centered and grounded. We hope you find serenity amidst the noise of negativity and the chaos of the world. But sometimes, we are beholden to our two primary forms of operation per our autonomic nervous system: fight or flight and rest and digest. With all the current pressure that surrounds us in life, we are likely to remain in the highly aroused fight or flight mode. It can be challenging to achieve the vital counterweight of proper rest.
Below are some tools and tips on how to be the light in the darkness and remain centered and grounded.
CHILL
Although we may want to help or change the current global and national situation, some of these things may be out of our control. Taking care of our mind and body is something we can control. Practicing Yoga Nidra can support our mental health and stabilize our emotions. Renowned author and yoga teacher Swami Satyananda Saraswati refers to it as “reaching the border between waking and sleeping states.” Also known as yogic sleep, this meditation practice prompts the body to relax deeply while the mind remains inwardly alert. We encourage you to enjoy this 15-minute yoga nidra class for relaxation and deep sleep. This guided yoga nidra meditation is perfect for beginners.
SIP
Tea ceremonies have been part of cultures worldwide for many years. They can be quiet rituals rooted in mindfulness. People have recommended drinking tea for stress reduction and anxiety management for hundreds of years. It’s believed that tea has ingredients that can promote relaxation and a sense of calmness. In addition, tea may help improve sleep, decrease digestive issues, and improve physical health symptoms. We love Chai tea. In Chinese Medicine, chai spices warm the kidney yang—the root of our vital energy.
PIN
Acupuncture calms the anxious mind. It infuses our bloodstream with happy chemicals that are not just for feeling wonderful but are also the body’s signal to heal and heal in a deeply restorative way. Anyone experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental states of discomfort can find tremendous release and uplift from this traditional Chinese modality. There are a lot of meditative benefits from acupuncture. Learn more here.
TUNE OUT
Social media, online news, and broadcast news coverage often cover negative reports and stories. Negative news generates increased levels of cortisol in our bodies (your body’s primary stress hormone), leading to heightened levels of anxiety, which we are not designed to sustain. We recommend taking a short break from the news, muting or turning off news notifications, unfollowing social media accounts reporting on it, or limiting your news intake to once a day. Over and above those, try to be intentional in how you consume news and avoid long scrolling sessions.
LISTEN
On a recent episode of the Untangle podcast titled “Powerful, Practical Tools to Help Deal with Anxiety. What Would You Do if You Weren’t Afraid?” Dr. Ellen Hendriksen shares her expertise on all issues related to anxiety. She’s a clinical psychologist who focuses on releasing anxiety so that you can be more of your authentic self. Ellen serves on the faculty at Boston University’s Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders. She is the author of “How To Be Yourself: Quiet Your Inner Critic and Rise Above Social Anxiety.” Her scientifically-based, zero-judgment approach has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Harvard Business Review, Oprah Magazine, and many other media outlets.