For this week’s article I’m turning the keyboard over to Charles
You know it. I know it. I think on some level everybody knows it: things are… a little dark these days. Climate change? Check. Trade war? Yup. Authoritarianism on the rise? Uh-huh. Oh, and Covid. As much as we want to ignore it, sorry, Covid is still coviding.
So, yes, dark days. If you’re feeling wound up tight, or tempted to tune it all out, you’re not alone. But some of the best tools for keeping our heads above water are ones we already have. Here are four that help Christie and me; I hope they help you too.
Movement. Medicine for the Mind
You know that mildly euphoric feeling you get after a great workout? Some call it the “runner’s high,” but you don’t need to be a runner to feel it. That feeling is proof that exercise isn’t just for your muscles. The Canadian Mental Health Association says physical activity can help us cope with stress, ease anxiety and lift our mood, partly thanks to the feel-good chemicals released when we move. Intense exercise like BodySculpt can work wonders, but Mobility, Pilates or a gentle Yoga flow all count. The trick is to do it regularly, whether live or with a pre-recorded class..
Head Outside
Spending time in nature is my go-to medicine when I’m feeling overwhelmed by things. My daily hikes are spirit savers, and I’m not alone in feeling this. An English study found that people who spent at least two hours a week in nature were significantly more likely to report good health and wellbeing than those who spent none. It didn’t matter whether that was one long ramble or several short visits.
Christie and I are lucky to live in a forest, and obviously that’s not everyone’s reality. But the study counted town parks and beaches too. So get out there – even in the rain! A walk across the parking lot to your car doesn’t count, though. Take a proper walk, and leave the earbuds behind if you can.
Keep News In Its Place
True confession: I am a former news junkie. 25 years in TV news can do that. Although I’ve cut back now that I’m retired, I still think it’s important to stay informed. But scrolling headlines on your phone at 2am isn’t the way to do it.
Harvard Health Publishing describes how constant doomscrolling can fuel stress, poor sleep and muscle tension. The experts suggest cutting back rather than quitting altogether. It might help to choose local stories rather than global ones. Christie and I have a “no scrolling before breakfast” rule – and we keep our phones on Do Not Disturb.
Look For A Glimmer
When things are feeling unsettled, it can help to look for a glimmer.
Glimmers are small moments of goodness you encounter – sometimes unexpectedly, sometimes on schedule; little parcels of joy that light up your life for a minute or a day. A strange cat lets you scratch its ears. An old friend reaches out. You can’t wait to read the next chapter.
One of my favourite glimmers is seeing my friends who join Christie’s live online classes. Spending time with such lovely people really lifts me up, and I know Christie feels the same way. Being part of a community reminds us that we’re not facing this alone.
We may not be able to control the headlines, but we can tend to our own lives and the people in them.
Staying Steady
I believe we are better equipped to face challenging times like these when we feel grounded. Move as often as you can. Spend time outside in nature. Keep the news in its place. Pay attention to the people and things that matter to you.
None of these will fix the world. But they might just do wonders in your world.
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