Well-meaning people will say, “Pull yourself together,” but how exactly can you do that when you feel shattered and exhausted by what you’ve been through?
I’ve spent a lot of time helping people cope with the aftermath of crisis and devastating trauma, and I know it isn’t easy. But I have observed some common threads that help everyone, regardless of their age or situation. How can techniques this simple make such a difference? I don’t know, but they do! I hope you will try them.
Techniques to Help Rebuild Your Strength After a Crisis
1. Here and now. Make the most of what is real and stay here. Of course your mind runs ahead and behind. Lovingly notice and honor your feelings.
2. Gratitude. If you focus with gratitude on the things that are good, you will find the strength to confront the things you want to change. Each night before you sleep, write down six things you are grateful for this day. 3. Positive people. Spend time with upbeat and enthusiastic people. Avoid the toxic people who want you to be miserable with them, even if they are family or people close to you. 4. Kindness and compassion. Be gentle with yourself and others while you heal and chart your new direction. Stop being your own worst critic and instead be nice to yourself. What a concept! 5. Move your body. When so much is out of your control, exercise is one thing you can start and finish. Look at all the immediate benefits of exercise:
6. Mental attitude. If you are hurting you have the power to change those feelings. Cultivate mindfulness to notice what you say to yourself. Can you cheer yourself up or can you only make yourself feel worse? You can create a good life. 7. Laugh. Laugh! It will change the chemistry within your body. Turn off the news; get rid of the negative things around you. Tickle your funny bone to release endorphins, the happy hormones that relieve stress and tension. 8. Faith. Prayer or meditation will make all the difference. Try it and see. Tune in to your sources of inspiration and insight and you may connect with your spirit guide. 9. Beauty. Open your eyes, ears, mind and heart to the things that lift your heart in joy. Whatever you find beautiful––music, art, design, nature, animals-–can create the grateful mood you deserve to experience. Pull yourself together by taking these nine steps every day. I guarantee you will soon find yourself living in a different world, a world that you are willing to go out and conquer. ~Dr. Nancy |
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