Work, politics, the world…it’s easy to feel overwhelmed these days–like we’re drowning in a sea of bad news and despair. Fill in your own details; I know you have them.
So today, a few reminders of what we can do for ourselves when we feel completely overwhelmed. Or just before, to avoid that “going down for the last time” feeling. Pick just one each time you feel anxious and overwhelmed:
Get out in nature
Read a book
Have a massage.
Watch an escapist film
Simplify your day
Listen to relaxing music
Breathe deeply
Just say no
Meditate
Set limits and priorities
Do nothing: zone out
Which if these can you build into your day? How about trying just one a day?
All of your ideas sound good. I love getting out in nature. It’s so relaxing and balancing. Massages are amazing too, when I have time. I need to extract myself from the news, but I can’t. It’s like a bad soap opera you become addicted to.
I find simplifying the day makes a big difference. Also listening to music and quiet help a lot. All great advice.
Music and zoning out definitely work for me. There’s a meme going around these days and it shows the 5-4-3-2-1 method (see 5 things, touch or feel 4, hear 3, smell 2, and cite 1 you are grateful for). It’s supposed to ground you when overwhelmed. It’s all about mindfulness which I’m a huge fan of. Thanks for this reminder, Carol.
I need a massage and will veg out on a good movie this weekend.