The world is swirling. News reports are coming fast and furious from all directions and much of it contradicts other reports. It’s hard to know what’s real, what to believe, where to turn, and what to do. If we try to pay attention to everything, that is a sure path to stress and panic. So, how to protect yourself from chaos? Here are a few things that can help to turn off (or at least tone down) all the noise.
Start your day with intention. That’s not to say list everything you’re going to do that day. Your intent can simply be to have patience. Or be nice. Pay attention to your surroundings.
And it helps that before you start your day, you have a good night’s sleep. Be consistent with your sleep routine. Turn off your screens well before you turn off your light.
After you’ve done all the necessaries in the morning, set one small goal to accomplish that day. It can be to get a step closer to finishing a big goal, or it can be simply to throw out one thing from that overflowing junk drawer. It feels good and it gives a little boost to your optimism and your resilience.
You’ve started your day mindfully, so periodically, take a break and center yourself. Pay attention to your surroundings at that time. Take stock of your emotions and thoughts.
And speaking of thoughts, at least once a day, think about what you’re grateful for. A gratitude journal helps, but I don’t find it necessary. Enjoy the blue sky or interesting cloud formations. Smile at your dog’s antics. It really does boost your healthy aging and happiness.
Exercise. I know, I sound like a broken record (remember them?). But exercise really does help to protect yourself from chaos. When you finish a good workout, I guarantee you’ll feel better about the world than when you started.
And reach out to a friend. Someone who lights you up, one who instantly makes you smile when you hear their voice.
Just some thoughts to protect yourself from chaos. The world is in upheaval, so we have to do what we can.
