The Subtle Power of Mindfulness & Gratitude

How to Stay Resilient Amidst Chaos?

Challenges and obstacles are unavoidable in life. However, many of us don’t know the right tools and techniques to avoid getting overwhelmed by them. We did not learn about them in school. As a result, many people respond to challenges in the only way they know; panic, stress, avoidance, anxiety, etc. These coping mechanisms often do more damage than the situation itself. But there is another way.

Here are some techniques that can help you stay resilient during challenging situations and emotional distress.

Keep a Gratitude Journal
When undesirable circumstances crop up in our lives, it’s easy to let them take up all the space in our minds. We tend to think about them all the time. But placing all our focus on things that are wrong distracts us from all the things that are right. That’s where gratitude comes in. When you sit down for a moment and think about everything you’re grateful for, your negative thoughts will be replaced by positive ones. Journal what you are grateful for every single morning. And the downward spiral will break. Writing in a journal is especially powerful as it reinforces your positive thoughts and feelings.

Start a Meditation Practice
Meditation can have a tremendous impact on your mental health and sense of well-being. If you’re new to meditation, look for guided meditation online to help you get started. Meditating for a few minutes can instantly lower stress levels and relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety. And if you’re consistent with meditation, it can have a profound long-term effect on your mental health.

Get Moving
Our mental health affects our physical health and vice versa. Exercise and movement help us feel better by flooding endorphins and other mood-enhancing hormones. If you feel stuck in negative thoughts and feelings, literally moving around can help you get into a better mindset. Go for a walk, stretch your body, or workout. Exercise will help you strengthen the mind-body connection positively.

The Takeaway
Staying calm amidst the chaos is true resilience. You can’t control outside
circumstances, but it’s possible to find control within.