Following up to my last blog on “Staying Healthy During Uncertain Times” I think we can all agree that to some extent we are still very much living in those uncertain times. After the past several months many people are now dealing with the emotional aspects of this uncertainty. It is very sad to see reports of increased overdoses and suicides happening as people have been struggling with this uncertainty, perhaps loss of work, loss of a business and so much more.
So what can we do to help ourselves deal with this uncertainty? For some the sense of uncertainty may have become a constant companion over the past few months. For others, they may be able to have a sense of trust that all will be fine as we make our way through this time on planet earth.
We need to embrace the fact that life has always been about change and uncertainty. Some of us have been able to develop certain daily habits, routines or rituals that can greatly help to get ourselves through our days and weeks as we move through this time.
It may even take something quite dramatic to happen before we realize that we really are in a a more defined state of uncertainty. We can now all see that this is not just happening to us alone, but is very much a global concern. Being that it is a global concern may begin to take us out of our own comfort of daily routines or habits.
This can be where the real challenge begins since most of us like to feel and believe that we are in control of what is going on in our lives. That sense of control allows us to think that we can figure out what we may need to do next.
How Are You Managing Right Now?
As the days and weeks have been going by have you been able to deal with this idea of impermanence around you? Or perhaps you have been going through stages of fear, anxiety, doubt or confusion?
We all handle our lives and what takes place in them differently. I know I have certainly had days where I have not felt as connected inside and these are the days that I usually feel a little more anxious or doubtful. But at least I am able to recognize that I am feeling this way and I have to allow myself to just let it go. It is not always easy, but gets easier with practice.
Sometimes we just have to let go of the idea that we can always be in control of what happens around us. When ever you catch yourself in a state of resistance to uncertainty you may need to just take a few moments to just relax and breathe.
We need to change our attitude towards our feelings and thoughts and recognize that it is not always easy and like most things in life is a practice.
Staying Present
We are always more comfortable being in a state of mind where we have a sense that we know what will happen. Most likely because we like to think we can always be in control. Living in a state of uncertainty takes us away from this place of feeling in control.
It is very easy to project our minds into the future into wishing or hoping that things are going to be a certain way. What many different ancient spiritual traditions teach us is that we only have the present moment, right now.
When we can learn to live in the present moment with a state of letting go of what might be happening in the future, then we find that uncertainty is no longer as concerning. When we recognize that life is always about change, that nothing is constant, then we can better grasp the concept of truly letting go to what is happening around us right now.
Where To Begin
The best place to begin is in the practice of self-care. Caring for your body, mind, and soul is essential in all aspects of life. This is best supported by a healthy lifestyle that will include a wholesome diet, regular exercise, daily meditation, loving relationships and positive thinking.
Without these core basics in your life you will be prone to experience the debilitating effects of stress and will then most likely revert back to your old destructive thoughts and habits that will undermine your progress. This is because when ever you engage in those thoughts or actions that are not useful to you, you will be overstressed. This will be made worse because of poor nutrition, a lack of exercise or of having insufficient sleep and rest. Then there is the constant worrying or neglecting to take time for meditation regularly or to spend time with nurturing relationships.
You need to recognize that most often the environment around you is stronger than your own willpower and that your established habits can easily be triggered by that outer environment. So that means that if your environment is in alignment with your goals this will work in your favor, but when the environment triggers those old habits, or if you are out of balance in any way then this will work against your best laid plans.
Therefore it is in your best interests to do your best to create an environment around yourself that will be conducive to your own success and to recognize that your own self-care should be an essential priority and not just some sort of luxury.
Making self-care a priority will help you to get and stay centered during difficult times.
Practices To Stay Centered
It is always good to have an intention and to clarify your goals. When you have this clarity it will help to support your focus and allow you to take action. Some find it helpful to keep a journal where they can write down their goals and intentions and will have that to refer back to.
It then helps to envision that your goal or intention has already been accomplished. There is often a certain “feeling” associated with a goal or intention. You want to allow that feeling to penetrate your mind and your body. It is also helpful to do something regularly that can move you towards your goal.
Earlier I mentioned self-care. It is up to you to identify what actions you need to take in order to be able to nurture your own body, mind and soul. As with most things in life remember to keep it simple. Just implement one new thing towards your goal each day or week.
Having a positive attitude will definitely help. While it will be a challenge when times are uncertain, doing your best to have a positive outlook and allow things to unfold as you yourself grow and change through life will help.
Remember life is always about transition. Can you approach your life with as much joy each day as possible? Joy comes from your soul. Spend time each day doing things that nourish your soul. Ask yourself what truly brings you joy, peace, love and contentment. Love for yourself and for others is very important on your journey.
You are already whole and complete and nothing can ever take that away from you. So by establishing yourself in that place of wholeness will help you to move through the many challenges in life. Do your best to stay present to your own true nature.
Breathe
In closing, never forget the importance of breathing. Breathing is such a powerful means to help you on so many levels. When you are feeling stressed, stop and take several long slow deep breaths. Allow yourself to relax into those breaths and observe how much this can help you.
Slow conscious breathing is known as the essence of yoga . It assists not only in connecting with the subtle energy within, but it is through the breath that we are able to navigate our own different levels of consciousness. Connecting with your breath helps you to connect to that which is calm and settled within you.
So when things are uncertain, make time to just sit and breathe!
If I can be of any additional help to you through this unsettling time, please do not hesitate to reach out. My mission is empowering women to consciously step into their true potential, achieving a balanced life of health, purpose and vitality!
To find out more about my work and how I may be able to help you achieve your goals and intentions, please reach out to me at lynne@nutritionforyoursoul.com or contact me today to book a free 30 minute Nutritional Strategy Session where we can determine your health and lifestyle goals and if we might be a good fit to work together to help you achieve your goals.
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Your Nourishing Nutritionist,
Lynne Bowsher
Nourishment for body, mind and spirit
Hello! I’m Lynne Bowsher, a Certified Mind Body Nutrition Coach and graduate of Functional Nutrition.
I work with women who are struggling with stress, fatigue and who are looking for more purpose in their life.
My wish is to help as many women as I can become embodied and to embrace and love who they truly are. 