My clients often ask me how do I manage to be okay during this time of radically differing opinions about almost every aspect of daily life. Politics have become personal and as a result, long term friendships are breaking apart, family members are not speaking to each other, and in this day of AI, we can’t even agree on what’s real and what’s fake. 

In session, clients often want to forego their therapeutic issues to talk about how to manage in this world. 

Unfortunately, there is no one pat solution to this problem. I do believe there are ways that we can quiet the chaos in our own lives. Taking time to connect with nature is a wonderful way to return to feeling grounded and at peace. Committing to a regular practice of going for walks in parks, trails, or even peaceful streets can quiet the mind and help us to self regulate the ongoing chatter that exists in our minds. Listening to music or apps that offer meditation or meditative practices is another way to get in touch with your own inner well being. Finding time to be with supportive friends and family can also be balm for your mind and soul.

Trauma specialists often talk about the need to get massages, yoga, or some type of exercise you enjoy to stimulate endorphins.  These  “good feeling” chemicals in your brain get activated when doing body work or physically exerting oneself. Studies have shown that releasing tension in our bodies is a pathway to experiencing inner calm. 

Another practice that is powerful is to seriously take into account what you are grateful for on a daily basis. This does not mean listing 10 things you are grateful for each day as if you were writing your grocery list. Instead, pick 3 things that you are truly and deeply grateful for, put your hands on your heart, close your eyes, take a deep breath in, and allow yourself to completely connect to those things with love and appreciation. 

Two simple action items can make a big difference in coping with the stress in our current world. Take time to listen to and honor what it is you need to feel centered. Next, make your needs a priority.  With a little bit of creativity, self awareness, and gumption, you might find that you are able to  create moments of peace in your daily life.