Mindfulness Practice
Would you like to calm the frustrations you feel in challenging times?
CALM “THE STORM” – Everyone faces challenging times throughout life, it’s part of the human experience. When tough times, like the current global pandemic, comes knocking on our doors like a storm, it’s important to be aware of how we’re feeling and remain as calm as possible. Easier said than done, right? I hear you!
Dealing with ongoing challenging times can prove to be very frustrating and stressful. The good news is that managing difficult situations is easier than most people think.
Below are 5 simple ways to help calm frustrations and anxiety during difficult times.
Enjoy Your Favourite Activities
When facing a challenge, or perhaps a series of difficult situations, it may seem almost impossible for you not to get completely consumed by negative thoughts about the obstacles. It would be wise not to allow yourself to get to that mental space.
Despite what’s happening in your life, make sure to always set aside some time to enjoy your favourite activities. The benefits of engaging in what you love will do wonders to help calm any frustrations you may be experiencing. It will certainly help keep your spirits higher!
Search For The Bright Side
No matter what your challenge, there’s always a bright side to everything, even when it doesn’t feel that way. Intend to see the bigger picture. It might take you some time to discover and focus on the bright side of a situation, but it can be done.
Whenever you sense yourself leaning toward entangling with negative thoughts, stop yourself and think of what concealed positives you can find in the challenge. Think of at least one aspect of the difficulty that you can appreciate.
For example, a person who recently lost their job, might feel uncertain about their future, seeing it in a bleak way. Instead of focusing on the job lost, s/he can focus on imagining all the amazing career possibilities available, out of which at least one position is waiting for them to fill.
Use Relaxation Techniques and Tools
One of the best ways to calm your frustrations is to practice daily relaxation techniques to manage stress.
Some examples of relaxation techniques are:
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- Exercise and Stretching (including Yoga, QiGong, Tai Chi)
- Meditation
- Self-Care (anything that helps you calm down & nurture yourself fully)
There are many ways to de-stress. Discover and engage in whatever technique feels right for you.
Spend Time With Friends And Family
During times of crisis, it’s best to limit the amount of time you spend alone, as it can lead to being tormented by negative thoughts about the challenge at hand.
Reach out for support and surround yourself with friends and family who truly love you. Spending time with loved ones can help you gain a broader perspective and focus on the positives in life.
If physical contact is not possible at the moment, then communicate daily via free video applications (like, WhatsApp, Skype, Zoom, etc.) – even if it’s for a few minutes to check in with each other.
It can even help to share your troubles with your social circles, as someone in your group might be able to shed some light and ideas of solutions for you. However, that’s absolutely your choice.
If you’re not comfortable talking about your challenges with others, then just being around those who care about you, can work wonders in helping you calm your frustrations and reduce stress.
Look Forward, Not Back
Whenever challenges arise, it might be tempting to look back and analyze all the things you “could have” or “should have” done differently. Don’t do it! Over-analyzing the past can only make your problem seem worse.
Instead, be present while looking forward to all the amazing possibilities you can create from where you are now (including overcoming seeming impossible obstacles).
One way to consider your future possibilities is to create a Vision Board or write down new goals and dreams for yourself.
Journaling your thoughts, feelings and ideas is also helpful when planning what’s to come ahead. You’re creating a blueprint for all the great things that you can attract into your reality and manifest.
Keep in mind that it’s normal to sometimes feel frustrated when facing difficult situations. Learning to calm your frustrations is vital to being able to best face any challenge head on and prepare for your future.
If you find it a struggle to calm yourself during irritating circumstances, proactively choose to engage in relaxing activities that you love. If you can, get together with family members and friends whose company you enjoy (even if it’s virtually for a while).
Regardless of what you decide to do, just remember to always intentionally seek out positive, nourishing experiences, while looking forward to creating a brighter future.
How are some of the ways you currently calm your frustrations and anxiety? We would love to hear more about any spiritual practices you follow. Please share your comments below.
