Congratulations, World! It doesn’t matter who, where or what you are, you’re living in the most overwhelming, sensory overload, period in world history. (Disclaimer: I have zero scientific evidence to back that up but we all know it).
If we are going to stay relatively sane we had better start mastering mental health techniques that keep us grounded. There’s nothing we can individually do to stop global pandemics, wars, wild financial markets, robot revolutions, political wars and ideological battles, or Karen from yelling at us. However…
There’s plenty we can do to help ourselves when get flat overwhelmed by the nonstop rush of doom that is the 2020’s. This isn’t all of them (in fact, I’d love you to add even more to the comment section if you felt so inclined), but here are 5 that I put into practice nearly every day. Stay sane! I care about y’all 🙂
VIGOROUS EXERCISE
I walk on average about 6 miles a day. That’s the best way I know to get out all that anxiety that builds up from doomscrolling Twitter, or seeing the latest bad news, or just the stress of life in general. I get up and I walk…and I’m not talking about strolling along gingerly. I mean – WALK. Get those heart beats up in the fat burn/cardio zones, burn some calories, and melt the anxiety. However you like to vigorously exercise? Don’t be lazy. It’s notjust good body health, it’s great for your mental health, too.
GIVE SOMETHING(S) AWAY
As I mentioned on my first Sunday Sermon post on this site, I read Proverbs each day. There’s a whole lot in there about the power of giving. Here’s a favorite…
Proverbs 11:25: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
That’s how all of this is supposed to work ya know. As Billy Graham used to say, “We are not cisterns made for hoarding, we are channels made for sharing.” Blessings flow into us, we absorb what we need, and then we allow the rest to flow outward to others. When we give of our resources, our time, our encouragement, our compassion, our empathy? We are not just refreshing someone else, but we ourselves are being greatly replenished, too. Understand?
BE WITH THE PEOPLE THAT TRULY LOVE YOU
It’s hard to believe I know, but most people in our lives (mine and yours) don’t really care about our issues. They have their own problems, their own issues, and they are in the same overwhelmed boat as us. We can’t expect them to be able to take on ours. What to do? We open up and spend real time with the people that truly love us. For me, that’s my wife. She’s my everything in that regard, understands me better than anyone else on this planet, and she knows how to get my ship sailing right again. Often times all it takes is me laying my head in her lap while we watch something and her gently stroking my hair. Do you know who your person or people are?
YOU’RE NOT AN ANDROID, YOU HAVE REAL EMOTIONS AND IT’S NORMAL
We’ve got to stop beating ourselves up and feeling “weak” or “soft” when we get overwhelmed or filled with anxiety. I’m more sensitive than most men, both otherwise, I’m your typical dude, and we come equipped with societal warnings not to show weakness. That? Has caused a whole lot of early deaths in our culture. It just tears apart the body and mind holding all that in without acknowledging its existence. You are a God-created human being, and he created every single one of the emotions you feel. They have a deeper purpose which is…we GROW. Cut yourself some slack.
MAKE LISTS AND FOCUS ON ONE THING AT A TIME
Multitasking is so overrated. It’s often necessary in this era because most of us wear about ten different hats of responsibilities at any given time. We’ve become a stressed out bunch of jacks of all trades, but masters of none. With all the incredible technology that comes with an iPhone, my favorite part is the – Notes. That simple little notepad that comes with your phone. I love that thing, and I utilize it to max low-tech potential. If you’ve got a lot on your plate regarding any topic at all? Make a list and just start knocking them off one by one, and do each one well. That’s a master level skill. Let others brag about their multitasking, which is usually a pretty facade that hides a house of chaos. You just get the job done right one thing at a time.
Did you find this article helpful? Let me know in the comments. I am still creating and brainstorming what this site will be, and I know this type of article should be a big part. Y’all have a great day 🙂
Gary
Second Place is for Winners... 