My heart hurts every day. I hate election years. And, let’s face it…when ISN’T it an election year anymore. Between that, the Medicare enrollment period, and the regular news of tragedy after tragedy, we are constantly bombarded with horrific images and rhetoric. So, how do we cope with all these things? I decided to sit down and come up with a list of things I can actively do to help reduce the stress I feel around these uncertain times. I’m sure you can add things, too. Let’s work together to bring more love and light into the world. Here’s what I came up with:
- Above all, I pray and read the Bible. This centers me and keeps me connected to God. He is my anchor in all things.
- I limit my exposure to the news. Watching it play out on TV is much more traumatic than reading the highlights in small bites. I am still well informed. I’m just not so overwhelmed.
- I eat right. A healthy diet goes a long way toward keeping your emotions on an even keel.
- I have a set bedtime every night. I put my phone in “Do Not Disturb” mode and put my electronics down at least thirty minutes before I settle down to sleep.
- When I lay down and relax to go to sleep and my mind is racing, I take a deep breath. I don’t embrace the thought or give it energy. I tell myself, “There is nothing I can do about this right this moment.” Then I let it go and, of all things, focus on my feet. I move them around a bit, rub them together. Then I hold them still and concentrate on what I can feel. The pressure of one foot on the other. The feel of the sheet on my skin. The pressure of the mattress from below and the blankets up above. I am asleep in five to ten minutes. I have been sleeping a solid eight or nine hours a night with my current regimen.
- Get some fresh air and exercise every day. I’m not always as good at this as I would like, but I try.
- Find a hobby. I knit, crochet, quilt, sew, paint, and write. These things are great outlets and help relax me.
- Garden. I can’t keep a houseplant alive all winter but I really enjoy my flower gardens in the summer.
- Avoid overspending. It’s easy to shop your way into debt trying to make yourself feel better but it’s only going to come back and compound your stress when the bills come in.
- Find someone to talk to. Go out for coffee. Go for a walk in the park. Check out that new thrift shop around the corner. Find a group of like-minded people to knit with or a book club.
- Be of service to others. Help at a food bank or shelter or the local hospital. Deliver meals to shut-ins. Read to a shut-in. Write handwritten letters to people.
- Block all those texts and emails you’re getting from political candidates. If you are inclined to donate to your chosen candidate, you don’t need all those intrusions to make you more inclined. For me, it makes me LESS interested in supporting someone that won’t leave me alone.
- Avoid drinking and drugs. They may make you feel a little bit better in the short run, but they are detrimental to your health and wellbeing.
Send out as much love into the world that you possibly can on a daily basis. Jesus spread love everywhere he went. He didn’t pound people over the head and threaten them to get them to comply. He lead people. He didn’t scare them into following him.
Be the love and light of Jesus at every turn.
You’ll feel better. We’ll all feel better. Let’s make it a better world.
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”“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”“
John 13:34-35 NIV