Going about my daily personal and professional activities requires increased mental energy and intentionality. Perhaps like many of you, I am distracted by “breaking news” that seems to occur on an hourly basis. These headlines often leave me feeling angry, disappointed, and with a sense of loss. I wonder how long these realities of terror and insecurity will continue. Social media is a draw but there is more most of us need to attend to in the midst of this turmoil; thus …
In these disquieting times
- Honor your feelings, don’t bury your fear, anger, and frustration; talk to a trusted friend.
- Engage in a circle of friends and colleagues for mutual support.
- If you are far away from Minneapolis, you can comment on FB or Instagram; this may give you a sense of empowerment versus helplessness.
- Write in your gratitude journal about what supports you and who cares about you.
- Engage in self-care and extra rest because you are using up a lot of mental energy.
- Create quiet times to reflect, take deep breaths, close your eyes, and simply chill.
- Hug yourself, smile in the mirror, and say “I love you”.
Dr. Arredondo has practiced psychotherapy for more than 25 years and guided many adults through times of turmoil and personal challenges. She believes in the power of self-care.
Thanks for this absolutely needed reminder. May we all hold ourselves gently during these challenging times.
Aloha Paricia:
This is a terrific opening post and I especially appreciate the no-cost and effective in the section entitled, “In these Disquiteing times.” I am finishing another OP-ED that informs readers of ways they can utilize new brain structures via neuroplasicity in basic and practical exercizes to increase one’s mental heath and emowerment. The use of deep breathing you include in your current message are briefly discussed in my article. I will send you that OP-ED shortly.
Thanks for sharing your expertise in this message.
So simple. So helpful.
Thank you!
Thank you, Patricia. These are peace-giving and accessible strategies we can all use during these tumultuous and disconcerting times.
Patricia, Thank you for your sharing your perspective and acknowledgment of the ongoing onslaught of ethical, legal, political and moral violations. Community is so important in getting through this patch. It seems there are no boundaries regarding targets. Be well and look forward to hearing more from you.
Thank you for sharing your perspectives as well Bety. Group support needed more than ever.
Thank you for your wisdom for the difficult days we are enduring and will continue to have to navigate. These strategies are a reminder to stay grounded and well in order to continue to do my work with developing leaders that promotes empathy, compassion, ethics, and is centered in the moral imperative. These strategies also embody wholeness – holding space for the pain and our humanity,
Thanks so much for the reminders
Muchísimas gracias, Dr. Arredondo🙏🏽🤎 Un abrazo fuerte
Thank you Mark. Great to hear from you! Un abrazo.