Another day, another 300 points or so the stock market drops. As we listen to hourly reports about the growing global financial crisis and read the daily columns about the huge debts we face as a nation, it’s challenging to stay calm in the midst of all this anxiety provoking news. One strategy to cope in times of high anxiety is to avoid listening to the news and not watching the stock market ticker on an hourly basis. But there are other self-care strategies that can help us stay centered, lower our stress and improve our outlook, even in tough times.
The first strategy is to remember to breathe. Breathing equals life and it’s one of the words that define the Latin word - Spiritus. We breathe all the time, of course, but probably not as fully or consciously as we should. Take a few minutes every day to sit in a quiet, comfortable place, close your eyes and take several long, deep breaths way down in your belly. Yawn, sigh, or let out any other sounds you’ve been holding inside. A session of mindful breathing will slow down your heart rate, increase the oxygen to every cell in your body and improve your mood. It’s a simple but powerful tool. And it feels so good you could easily make it a habit!
A second strategy is to connect with nature. If you live in the Bay Area, you already know we live in one of the most spectacular places in the world. Take a walk in the park or woods, and as you do, consciously let go of any thoughts of your work, your budget, your retirement account. Instead, just listen to the sounds of the birds, notice the warm sun on your face and feel energized by the cool air. Staying present for this type of experience can move you out of “fight or flight” mode and into the “rest and digest” state that we all need to counteract the stress of everyday life.
A third strategy is to eat well. Join the 'slow food' movement by doing more cooking at home. Chopping fresh fruits and vegetables for a salad or homemade soup can be a kind of meditation itself. Eating a healthy, mostly plant-based diet will give our immune systems the boost we need during times of increased stress.
And finally, practice an attitude of gratitude. Instead of focusing on what you feel is missing in your life or how much your investments have dropped in value, focus your attention on all the things in your life that you are grateful for. Be mindful that what you think about and focus on expands. Practice the law of attraction. Feel and see abundance and more of it will show up in your life.