Amidst the natural disasters, troubling news and unsettled political climate that surrounds me lately, I’ve had to level up my intentions for a peaceful and content life, adding a few extra habits into my daily practice that help me maintain an optimistic spirit, even when it feels like my train is being derailed.
I enlist these daily habits to shield me during those times when bad news, harsh words and rude behavior threaten to nestle deep into my psyche and affect how I interact with others, how I see myself through their eyes, and how I perceive the world around me. All external influences that can, if I give them the power, affect my day, my mood, and ultimately could turn me into a sullen, grumpy old woman.
These incidents are not necessarily intended to harm me. It’s just people moving through their day reacting to what’s happening to them. But, when enough of them pile up it causes a chain reaction that travels from person to person, potentially leaving everyone feeling disgruntled or disturbed.
Think of standing in a long line, waiting to check out at a crowded market. Everyone jockeying for position attempting to predict which aisle will move the fastest, sizing up the contents of people’s carts, calculating how long this is going to take. You can feel the frustration in the air. We’re all stuck there together, but somehow a sense of competition emerges, and some people become aggressive. Someone says something rude, intrudes on another’s personal space, becomes visibly frustrated and the mood of the entire group begins to deteriorate.
So, how do I avoid letting these inconsequential moments alter my state of mind? I prepare for them. I set myself up with a defense, a fallback thought, mantra or pleasant image held at the ready. Something I know will lighten the load and remind me that life is full of magical moments, beauty and kindness if I only take the time to notice.
I Start Early
Each morning, as I sip my chai while catching up on correspondence and social media, which by the way I curate to only include like-minded influences, I gather happy news, touching stories, motivational quotes and I make note, holding them available to reflect upon later in the day.
I Reserve Time to Be Alone with My Thoughts
I am always up before dawn. It’s a habit I adopted when I began writing a decade ago. I spend an hour or so writing or corresponding with trusted friends before I allow anyone else into my predawn world. It gives me a chance to focus on what truly matters to me, as I decide what I’m going to carry out into my day.
I Engage in Nature’s Beauty
One habit I’ve built is sitting in an eastern facing window so I can gaze out onto the early morning landscape, watching the sun rise and the sky turn colors. I remind myself that no matter what’s happening in the constructed world, the natural world goes on just as it is. Its constant and consistent presence comforts me.
I Move My Body
More and more research reveals how exercise positively affects mood. It’s common knowledge that serotonin and endorphins are released into the blood stream with strenuous activity like running, biking, aerobics and hiking mountain trails. But more recent studies have discovered Myokines, proteins released into the blood streams as muscles contract, acting as an antidepressant, improving mood, strengthening resistance to stress and boosting our ability to learn.
Strength training, body weight resistant exercise, like squats and pushups, which conveniently require no equipment, are excellent choices. I prefer hiking steep trails in the early morning, but when the weather is unfavorable, I turn to my rebounder. A ten-minute workout gets my heart rate up and initiates proprioception to improve my balance and agility. I do my routine to music that prompts happy memories or motivates me to dance, so by the time I’m done, I’m feeling upbeat and energized.
I Stock Up
Our bodies need calories and nutrition to be at their best, but the findings of recent gastroenterological research show we also need to feed the microbiome to ensure a diverse and plentiful population of bacteria. There is compelling evidence that the health of our gut affects our mental state.
In addition to eating a varied diet of meat, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains and fermented foods, I begin my day with a spoonful of sauerkraut and a small serving of kefir to keep my microbiome happy which in turn does the same for me.
Mantras, Quotes and Reminders
Sometimes, I need to be reminded not to take things personally or take on someone else’s troubles as my own. It helps to have a handy saying to repeat in my head when those occasions arise.
These are my three favorites right now:
People see you not as you are, but as they are.
Not my circus, not my monkeys.
It’s better to be kind than right.
These clever and helpful trinkets travel with me in my mental pocket, so I can reach for them when needed.
A Quick Gratitude Check
I also remind myself at the start of my day how fortunate I am. I take stock of my life, admit what is of concern but put it in context as best I can and begin my day on a positive note. So when things don’t go my way, I have something to reassure me I’m still better off than I could be.
Is this an overly simplified solution to life’s hurdles and complications? Perhaps. I’m no different than anyone else. There are times when I have to dig in and settle some real-life problems, face the heart wrenching grief of true loss and admit aging is challenging, but honestly, I see no harm in taking an alternate route for a more pleasant drive through life, as long as I can.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
How do you set yourself up for a good day? Which part of your routine prepares you for the ups and downs you might encounter?
