Staying Sane In An Insane World
It certainly is undeniable that we are living in very difficult times. Stress is high and income is low. Family, business and community morals and values globally are at an all time low. Mass shootings, terrorism and war casualties are on the rise. If that were not enough, the real threat of nuclear war has taken a front seat in the minds are hearts of humanity internationally. So the question is, how does one stay sane in a world that seems to be spiraling out of control.
Thankfully, there are daily practical steps everyone can take so as not be overly anxious about world conditions. Our list is not designed to be a solution to world problems. Our list is simply a means of coping with the increasing problems facing the world today.
De-stressing Morning
Our morning routine can set our entire day up for joy or stress depending on how we approach it. With a checklist of things to do, many of us wake up running through or morning shower, breakfast, news updates, goodbye kisses etc. Before we know it, we’re out the door with a high level of stress and a list of things to accomplish throughout the day. It’s important that we change that stressful routine if we are have a sense of tranquility throughout the day.
If you find yourself in that stressful routine the first thing in order is to wake up 30 minutes to an hour earlier than you normally do. This will afford you the opportunity to slow down your mornings a bit and distress.
Take your time through your morning shower and breakfast. Enjoy them!
While your are going through your morning routine, instead of thinking about what you need to do throughout the day, replace those thoughts with happy memories. (Note: You can use the night before to write out a list of things you need to accomplish the next day. See step 10 De-stressing Nights.) Think back to times when you enjoyed good company, good friendships and good memories. This positive meditation will put a smile on your face and get your morning started off right. You can also write down positive thoughts on note paper the night before and review them when you wake up in the morning.
Instead watching news in the morning or reading the newspaper, listen to relaxing music or a perhaps watch something positive that makes you laugh. This will set your morning mood to one of extreme positivity and relaxation. (You can listen to news updates in the car on your way to work or simply check the weather by looking out your window in the morning.)
Checklist Do’s and Don’ts : Destress Morning
Wake up 30 min early.
Meditate on happy memories in the morning.
Listen to relaxing music and or watch something positive to make you laugh.
Don’t watch the news in the morning, save that for your morning commute.
Don't think about all the things you have to do throughout the day. Remember, you wrote your to-do list the night before and you can review it in the car before you start your morning drive.
Tranquil Commute
Driving in any city in any part of the world can be a very stressful experience. Stress can impact our level of concentration and can make our morning commute very dangerous. Modern technology and road rage antagonist can also increase the stress of our commute. A tranquil commute requires that we stay on the offense.
There are many ways that we can stay on the offense while driving. For example, we may have people trying to reach us in the morning by phone. Many people use their Bluetooth to connect their cell phone to their car or to an earpiece. However, we recommend that you wait until after your community to carry on lengthy conversations that require high levels of concentration. A quick call to the office letting them know your in traffic is quite different from having a business conference while you drive. Save the conference for a time that you will be able to give it your undivided attention.
Do not text while driving. Your life is more valuable than a text message. You can also place your phone in the trunk of your car so as to avoid the needless distraction.
Also, if you come across a driver who is rude, obnoxious and makes you want to scream there is a very simple antidote. Put on your favorite musical jam and shake it off. Literally, you can shake off negative emotions and thoughts by redirecting your mental concentration on something you enjoy. Also, tell yourself audibly or in your mind that the individual is not worth it. Avoid eye contact with aggravated drivers as this will only intensify the likelihood of an unwanted confrontation.
Checklist Do’s and Don’ts : Tranquil Commute
Listen to music that will relax you during your morning commute.
Place your phone in the trunk of your car so that you are not tempted to text and drive.
Don’t take calls in the car that will require a great amount of concentration.
Avoid eye contact with aggravated drivers.