Finding Peace and Balance in a World That Feels Heavy

The weekend was incredibly overwhelming, and with the world already feeling unstable, the fires in LA were the tipping point for me. To be honest, I spiraled into a bad rabbit hole on social media recently, and a few hours later, while sitting on the couch, I had to literally pull myself out of an anxious state and move from the sofa to a hot bath. Since childhood, I've felt things very deeply. I was simply born that way. While I can usually use this as a positive trait, at times it can be a real burden. Many of us feel a heavy weight on our hearts and minds. With so much happening—from wars and political conflicts to natural disasters like devastating wildfires—it's easy to feel anxiety, sadness, and even helplessness.

Today, let’s take a moment to connect authentically. This post is a heartfelt message of love, peace, and healing for anyone who needs it. It’s completely normal to feel heavy emotionally. What's important is how we deal with these feelings as we navigate through tough times.

2 seals hugging

Acknowledge Your Feelings

The first step is recognizing what you feel without judgment. It’s okay to feel deeply; it shows you care. Many people are awakening to the suffering around them, and you are not alone in your fears or sadness. Recent surveys indicate that nearly 65% of adults report feeling increased anxiety due to current events. This statistic illustrates that these feelings are valid and shared by many.

Taking a Break from the News

With continuous news updates, it might be tempting to remain fixated on your screen. However, it's completely fine to take a break from the news. Research indicates that consuming distressing news can elevate stress levels by as much as 30%. To protect your mental well-being, establish limits on your media consumption. Rather than checking the news multiple times a day, try restricting it to once, possibly in the early evening.

• Consider reading the news instead of watching it. This way, you have more control over the information you consume.

• If you choose to watch the news, limit it to a specific time. Watch it once, then turn the TV or computer off.

• Avoid having the news playing continuously in the background. This can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety.

• Let's face it, constant news updates can feel like torture, especially when the news is often distressing. Enjoying wonderful news is rare, so it's essential to manage your exposure.

The Significance of Physical Activity & Self-Compassion for Well-Being

One of the most effective ways to release tension and anxiety trapped in our bodies is through movement. Engaging in physical activity not only helps to alleviate stress but also promotes a sense of well-being. Taking some deep breaths while moving can significantly enhance this effect, as it allows us to reconnect with our bodies and release pent-up emotions.

Incorporating movement into your daily routine, whether through walking, dancing, or yoga, can be a powerful tool for managing stress and enhancing your overall well-being. Remember to take those deep breaths and allow yourself the freedom to move; it’s a proven way to help you feel better.

Self-compassion is crucial: it is not selfish. Spend time doing activities that uplift you—light a candle, cook a meal with your partner, friend or family member. take a long bath, find a way to be creative, write, listen or play music, or listen to your favorite podcast. Engaging in these small acts can renew your spirit and positively influence those around you.

Striking the Balance: Heroes and Helpers

I discovered a news outlet focused on uplifting stories. It featured accounts of the Canadian Super Scooper traveling to LA to provide aid, the Mexican army arriving to assist their neighbors, African firefighters singing and dancing at the airport, and inmates who were genuinely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to something meaningful. There were tales of neighbors and strangers supporting each other, people from distant places offering shelter to others and animals, horses returning to rescue another horse, and elderly individuals staying behind to help by keeping a hose on someone else's house. Highlighting positivity and sharing stories of kindness is extremely important. Firefighters and first responders are working tirelessly, and naturally, they were saving family photo albums for those who lost everything in the fires. People are sending donations and supporting GoFundMe campaigns, while strangers offer comfort to heartbroken individuals watching in disbelief. I searched for similar stories in the news coverage of wars over the past few years and the floods. It's my way of coping when I feel overwhelmed. In tough times, finding balance is crucial.

Let us remember that countless compassionate individuals exist worldwide, just like you and me, who desire to live in peace. While some unfortunate events are beyond our control, others are not. We must observe, understand, and endeavor to improve whenever we can.

Here are some reminders of actions you can take to help manage your strong emotions

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation are incredibly effective tools. Those who know me recognize that I strongly support these practices. I frequently suggest them because, despite my initial reluctance, I now consider them essential. While we often encounter these methods in discussions or media, and they may seem clichéd, believe me, they genuinely help you stay grounded and evaluate your true emotions, allowing you to release things beyond your control throughout the day. Dedicate just five to ten minutes daily to mindful breathing or simple meditation techniques. Studies indicate that these practices can lower anxiety levels by up to 40% and enhance overall mental health.

Acts of Kindness

Engaging in kind acts, observing kindness, or even offering a smile to a stranger can alter the course of your day or someone else's. Small acts of kindness can create positive impacts in the world. Whether it's donating to a charity, contacting a friend, helping a neighbor with groceries, or merely holding the door for someone, these actions can elevate your mood and the atmosphere around you. Never underestimate the power of simple or even grand gestures of kindness; it is contagious and provides hope for everyone.

Journaling

Writing is a fantastic way to process emotions. Journaling provides an opportunity for self-reflection and can foster gratitude. For instance, consider listing three things you are grateful for at the end of each day—this simple habit can greatly change your outlook. Perhaps write a poem, journal about things that bring you joy, and fill the pages with hope, love, and all your dreams. It's important to have dreams, wishes, and goals. Having a safe space to write your thoughts is incredibly therapeutic. I enjoy looking back to see the progress or vividly remember something I've written about months earlier.

Limit Social Media

Just like the news, social media can intensify feelings of distress. Try to limit your time on these platforms. With the rise of AI, be cautious, as some things we see are not true, accurate, and often exaggerated. Tailor your feed to follow accounts that encourage positivity and take breaks when you feel overwhelmed. For instance, I have deleted Facebook from my phone, set my Instagram sleep mode earlier than usual, and stopped taking my phone into different rooms in my home.

Hope for Future Transformation

The energy surrounding us possesses a transformative potential. While fear is a natural response to uncertain times, it's important to remember that hope can flourish even in the darkest moments. Research by the American Psychological Association has shown that engaging in conversations about hope and resilience can greatly enhance mental well-being.

Join in discussions that encourage change and resilience. By working together, we can concentrate on positive actions and thoughts that create a better reality for everyone.

Embracing Healing Together

As we navigate these difficult times, it is essential to acknowledge your emotions and prioritize self-care. My blog was intended to cover a different topic today, but I felt compelled to share love, remind you all that you are not alone, offer things that might lighten a heavy heart, and let you know that this small corner of the internet sees you and is sending love not just to you but to the entire world. Taking time for ourselves does not diminish the suffering of others; it enables us to serve more effectively. By fostering balance and spreading kindness in our own ways, we can uplift both ourselves and those around us.

Remember that feeling intense emotions is natural. Nonetheless, take care of your mental health. We are together on this path. Although the world can feel daunting, there is a light inside each of us. Let your light shine, my amazing friends.

As always, take good care XO