Are you tired of the rollercoaster ride? Let’s find a way off.
As we all are well aware, it’s the new year.
Even though I happened to have missed the seconds leading up to the clock to strike twelve, the thirst of wanting 2020 to be over has been more than compensated since being in this drought of life that started last March.
Given this unabated reality of having nothing but time and seclusion, I needed something in order to not get downright trapped into a depressive state. And so, I made the conscious decision to override the dark, hopeless feeling I held with the endeavor to listen, learn, and grow from within. The universe I created in my conscious over the course of our new normal, one of acceptance, gratitude, and mindfulness — had been expanded. I was doing good.
But yet, here we are still almost a year out and the outward limitations placed on us have not yet disappeared. And when it does, I’ll have to admit that I’m a little apprehensive about running straight into the arms of a maskless, socially-closer world.
What will be considered safe and what will not be? And, will we return to the distractions that caused us to lose sight of what we realized was important? Will I personally uphold the mental breakthroughs I’ve worked so hard to attain?
It’s really an endless cycle of flooding thoughts, moods, and questions.
I needed to dial the neuroticism all the way down and remain steadfast to the pursuit of finding an equilibrium I could sustain.
Peace.
We’ve lasted this long through all these past tough and trying months, but how do we continue to cope when the light at the end of the tunnel is yet months away?
Incorporate these four modus operandi in your life to stay sane as we hit the last one hundred meters of the race.
- Guilty not guilty pleasures
I write scripts, and for me, it’s almost impossible not to turn my analytical mind off when I’m watching a well-written, binge-worthy TV show or highly-acclaimed film. Therefore, I find the trashiest, low-browed reality series that I can get my hands on and I use it as a anesthetic for my brain. To make matters worse, I tell my friends which I fully understand contributes to the networks’ enablment in churning out this type of content. Have you seen “Are You The One”? I have and I have enjoyed. In order to truly escape, I gotta watch what I gotta watch. My intention is to give my head a full break. All are welcomed to judge all the way. I, however, will remain unapologetic.
Do you like to bump a good Britney classic? Chat to your furry friend or shiny plant about your day? Want to polish off some cake for breakfast? DO IT. And do it with pride because you ain’t hurting no one. You’re only putting a satisfactory smile right inside that head of yours.
2. Coziness
The Norwegians call it hygge and that’s how they maintain their good spirits during the cold months of rationed sunlight. Oftentimes you’ll find a throw situated right on my living area rug, and it doesn’t mean messy. Rather it tells me that I’m invited to lounge anywhere, even the ground. The couch and chairs all have pillows and even more throws all set with the intention of welcoming me in like a giant bed. I go with soft colors like off-whites and light grays to impart warmth and calmness. I’ve staged my place to give me hygge and a big hug.
If you don’t share my same aesthetic, determine how you want to design your dwelling so that you will connect to it. Make it yours, since as they say which is no lie, there is no place like home.
3. Laughter
My dog is the most humorous living thing on the planet. He’s very selective, very expressive, and takes himself so seriously. His little but big personality brings me joy especially if I believe that he’s an extension of myself. And when I’m having a tough day, if I just squeeze one of his favorite squeaky toys to catch his playful attention, I will become instantly distracted away from what was bothering me.
What gives you a hearty laugh? A funny meme? Your favorite comedian? A coworker who’s a character? That one time in college? Go through the motion of putting it in front of you, and immerse yourself into the moment.
4. Forest baths
I wander through the trees in awe of its imperfect branches that fall perfectly in the way its supposed to and it somehow inspires the sentiment that I am the way that I am — a beautifully flawed work of nature. Taking a purposeful stroll through nature truly cleanses my soul.
We humans tend to think it’s all about us when there’s a whole world outside. When was the last time you looked up and admired that bright orange star? Have you gotten close to the sweet bird singing it’s song? Find any sign of evergreen, even if it’s a patch of grass, and be fascinated by the precious life that surrounds you.
As a bonus, taking care of oneself does wonders for your psyche as it clears the mind and sparks creativity. Exercise releases endorphins and makes me fell strong. Taking a “Sabbath” and being zero percent productive either for a day of the week or for a part of my evenings allows a break in my sometimes chaotic mind.
What you put into your body, how you move your body, and how you rest your body has positive affects on mental harmony as studies have shown over and over again. It always points back to that.
So as we turn the corner into a year that is still in the midst of turmoil and disorientation, try these pointers to maintain the sanity and endurance that we all could use sans the resolution we don’t, and may not ever, have. Through the mountains and valleys, we can always find our peace.
