Feeling some lingering stress, anxiety, and confusion after Election Day? First of all, same.
Second, we recommend taking some time to check in with yourself. Relax your shoulders, take a nice long inhale, let it out, and repeat as needed. ✌
Here’s a quick roundup of some other easy ways to chill the heck out:
Power pose
To boost your confidence and energy, try out a power pose for a minute or two. For the Wonder Woman pose, stand up tall with your stand with your feet apart, your hands on your hips, and your chin tilted upward. For the V pose, stand with your feet apart and stretch your arms overhead in a V shape.
Thankful thoughts
Feeling a little blue? It may help to think of three things you’re grateful for and say them out loud to yourself. For example: Junk drawers, instant coffee, and dogs. 🙌
Meditative moments
Looking to bring mindfulness into your daily routine? Try practicing it during activities you normally do on autopilot. For example, while taking a shower or making a cup of coffee, focus on sound, smell, taste and feel. Allow yourself to be anchored in the present moment.
Squirrel insight
Been a little absent-minded lately? Don’t be too hard on yourself, we can all relate. Think about this: Squirrels often forget where they stashed their acorns for winter, accidentally planting thousands of trees each year. 🌰 See? Sometimes, absent mindedness has its benefits. Maybe it’s a sign of unexpected growth!
‘4, 7, 8’ breathing
The 4, 7, 8, breathing technique is trending in the meditation space. It’s easy to do! First, close your mouth and inhale through your nose to a mental count of 4. Hold the breath in for a mental count of 7. Finally, exhale through your mouth to a count of 8. Ahhh. Each cycle is one breath in and out, and four full cycles are recommended.
Sage advice
Our final tip is this: Every so often, we find ourselves on the opposite end of where we thought we were heading — but sometimes, that’s where we find opportunity. As the Dalai Lama once said: “Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.”
Hang in there, folks! Whatever happens, we’ll get through it together. 🏡
For more tips to keep calm in trying times, check out these posts:
- Spending a lot of time indoors? Here’s how to turn your home into a sanctuary.
- Trying to take up meditation? Here are 5 meditation myths that may be getting in your way.
