“This is one of the only places I can say it: I am NOT okay right now.”
Friend, you are not alone. There’s so much tension and fear out there in the world because of what’s currently happening in the US. It’s easy to fall into a constant state of either freeze or disassociation.
I’m sure you’ve heard this elsewhere, but it needs to repeated:
We have to take care of ourselves before we can do anything to help others.
Anything you do while in reactive state (meaning you’re not entirely aware and present) is likely going to be less helpful. I’ve forgotten my keys, left messages unreplied to, and even almost fell down the stairs when in a reactive state.
Our brains just aren’t functioning well when we are scared. We either freeze and therefore barely can do anything, or we get consumed by anger and see everything as a fight. (Yes there are other ways that people cope with fear, but these are the two biggies I’m seeing daily.)
So let’s talk about healthy ways to fight off the fear beast so that you can unfreeze and/or turn your rage into mindful action.
Credit: @AlexChocron
Credit: 30 Rock
Whether you freeze or rage when you get scared, one of the first things that can help is moving your body.
🚶🏾♀️Go take a walk. Seriously. Getting outside and showing your nervous system that you are capable of moving helps it not feel powerless or trapped.
🏋🏽♀️ I also like to lift weights. Train your body to recognize that it’s got more power in it than it *feels* like at the moment of fear.
Then after your body has some movement, here are a couple other things to add in:
🙋🏼 Tapping (EFT) on your acupressure points while talking about what you’re scared of can help calm your nervous system.
👩🏼❤️👩🏽 Talking with friends who share your concerns can help you feel less alone. Also, seeking out a community group who is taking healthy action.
🪫For my empath and other energy-sensitive friends out there, make sure you’re also getting rid of OPE (other people’s energy) every day. Remember, it’s good to care about others, but important to care WITHOUT carrying it.
🔋 Get a weekly dose of cleansing and re-connecting to your core energy by joining me at the Monday “Get F*cking Grounded” meditation session.
When you’re scared, doing one or more of these things can truly help you get back to center. And your center is the BEST place to be, no matter what the world brings, so that you can respond with wisdom, clarity, and grace.
