It seems right now that the world has gone bonkers?? Earthquakes and plane crashes, Brexit, increased taxes , climate change ,Australia is on fire ,nuclear worries, impeachments and even the royal family is not safe from controversy! Where does it leave us? It is easy to get caught up with social media blaring crisis in our faces to feel sad, negative and quite frankly at a loss. But it is times like this that we have to embrace the good and deliberately seek out all that is still wonderful in this crazy world that we live in.
A recent visit by friends and family made me realise that life is indeed still wonderful. Simple moments of joy and laughter over silly things can definitely bring us back to a sense that life is pretty darn good. We are all here together on this big planet and we are all feeling the stress together. So times like this we need to do things that make us feel good for ourselves and for each other.
- Volunteer and go and help those less fortunate than you
- Go see a movie , not about war and death but one that will make you laugh and feel good
- Gather friends and bake something ooey and gooey and then eat it!
- Exercise in one way or another. Exercise releases endoprhins which make you feel better and less stressed
- Meditate! I have just started using an app called Simple Habit. It takes literally 5 minutes a day! A guided meditation with a very calming and soothing voice, really does wonders in such a short time
- Read a book, a trashy , fluffy novel that will allow you to day dream
- Go bowling!! I love bowling and in the past month did it a few times! It is an excellent way to pass an hour, stress free, be active and be with others
- Learn to play an instrument. I am learning to play the piano and it is so relaxing as I have to focus only on what I am doing and my mind empties out for a short time.
- Don’t apologise for taking time for yourself. Don’t apologise for how you are feeling that day, we all get down and we cannot be upbeat all the time. Self care is super important in so many ways and it does not take much to do something for yourself, to take a moment to gather your thoughts, collect yourself before you keep going on your day.
- Go speak to a professional if you find it all gets too much. Remember what is “enough” for one will not be the same for others. Seek advice, there is no shame in doing so and you can only gain from the experience. Sometimes, that is all we need to lead us back down the path.
Take a look outside! We are alive, we live in a country that gives us so many freedoms. We live in houses with running water and electricity. We are lucky. There are still many amazing and wonderful people and opportunities in this world that are often shaded by the negativity that surrounds us.
Breathe, breathe deeply and appreciate all you have around you.
