Small acts of kindness can transform your life and the lives of others. We need that more than ever right now. I don’t know about you, but what’s happening in the world can make me anxious about the future. So many disasters are occurring, there is an abundance of finger-pointing, you could get whiplash from the rapid changes in government policies, there is an unsettling tendency for rude and unkind behavior, gobs of head-spinning misinformation, and worldwide heartache and suffering. It’s stressful. I feel it in my body and I feel it around me. So, I asked myself what can I do? The answer was, first — take care of myself. You know the rule…put the oxygen mask on yourself first so you’re available to help others.
Here is what I am doing to help myself:
1. I have written an affirmation to replace the anxious chatter: I release my worries and fears. I trust my loved ones are safe and those hurting will find comfort, hope, and safety. I extend positivity into the world in any way I can. As I contribute to the positive, collective consciousness, I support the renewal of balance in the world.
2. I am emphasizing self-care: eating healthy, getting outside and moving, being social, and making sleep a priority. This is especially important for those who struggle with mood disorders or early trauma, which makes the unknown especially troublesome.
3. I will acknowledge the discomfort I have and explore the “why”. Yet, I won’t sit in the anxiety…I’ll do something to get unstuck. I’ll revisit past successes. Copy. Repeat.
4. Here are some suggestions you might try. Sing a song, write a letter to a friend, or do something creative. You’d be making a shift in your focus and you will feel better for it.
5. Check the internet for types of breathing exercises and pick one that suits you. Breathwork can play an important role in activating the vagus nerve, which can provide a sense of peace and well-being. I like to do 10 belly breaths right after snuggling under my bed covers to signal my brain it’s time to sleep.
Once you and I are feeling calmer/better, we can extend ourselves to others. When you get out of the fight-flight-or-freeze response, you can then move into a state of calm and connection. I suggest you gravitate toward positive people; people who won’t feed the fear or anxiety you are moving away from. That doesn’t mean you hide what is bothering you or not listen to another’s concerns. Those feelings are genuine, so validate them. However, you’ll want yourself and others to make a habit of taking action to find peace of mind.
Kindness in Giving Creates Love
6. Small gestures of kindness to others can have a big impact on another person’s life. Research has shown a regular practice of doing random acts of kindness can relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression. True, this benefit seems directed at you, but think of a time when someone complimented you, appreciated something you did, affirmed your value…didn’t that make a difference in your life? Challenge yourself with a set number of random acts of kindness this month. Those kindnesses can be more than the spoken word. Put a box of treats out for the delivery person, stick a candy bar in your mailbox for the mail deliverer, and, if you made too much soup—give some to your neighbor. Think creatively. Make it fun.
7. Touch…sharing physical affection. Give hugs more often, shake someone’s hand, pet a dog, or offer a back rub to your partner. These acts can reduce their stress hormones and yours.
8. If you feel called to help the greater good — act upon it. Donate to the Red Cross, volunteer at an organization you believe in, write a letter to the editor, your senator, or whoever you feel called to reach out to. Educate yourself on the issues most concerning you.
9. If you find you are worried about the outcome of something, ask yourself, “What if this works out?” or “What if something bad happens but then something unexpected and good happens as a result?” This can change your perspective and lower your cortisol levels.
We can’t predict the future, but we can work at providing ourselves with the peace and security we crave. For a while, unplug, if you have to. Relax and rejuvenate. Listen inside for what you need to do when you step back in. Here is a virtual hug for all of you.
