If you have been experiencing an increase in symptoms or anxiety lately and are finding it difficult to make progress, you are not alone. There have been a number of people experiencing dips recently. I believe that the energetic nature of what goes on in our outer world sometimes affects what happens in our inner world, especially for those who are sensitive. And even if you are not sensitive but are still having a rough time, the strategies below will help you navigate this time.
Ride the wave
Sometimes we just have to ride out the down dips, or "ride the wave" as I like to call it. If you think of surfing, we are going with the flow of the water, but staying on the surface of it. We are not fighting the wave and therefore not getting dragged under because of its intensity. Instead we keep it light, our eyes focused forward on the direction in which we are headed, and ride it out until it comes to an end. This requires some gentleness and loving kindness with self, choosing not to get caught up in the stories our brain wants to make up about what is happening, what it means, and how long it is going to potentially last. We reorient away from fear and back into trusting that we will come out the other side.
Simplify (sometimes less is more)
Getting back to basics and keeping it simple for a while can help us to get our feet back under us and break the cycle of over-efforting and overdoing. Cut out things that are extraneous and unnecessary for a while. Take time to just be - enjoy the sunset, sit and do nothing for a while, savour a cup of tea, look at the clouds passing by, admire the beauty in the spring foliage, breathe the fresh air. Slow it down and come into the present moment. By hitting the reset button in this way, it will allow your system access to the resources needed for healing.
Use distractions that are not related to health and wellbeing
We can get so caught up in trying to get better and do better that it leads to feeling frustrated and resisting where we are at. This uses up a lot of energy, energy that could otherwise be used to activate our innate healing mechanisms. Sometimes the best way forward is to take our focus off of our health and anything health related for a while, and instead engage in distractions that are elevating and have nothing to do with trying to move us forward. The distraction into something unrelated gives your system time to turn the volume down on the automatic negative thoughts and fears that often run rampant when we struggle. This in turn allows our systems to settle and get back into restoration mode. If this means temporarily watching more Netflix than usual, so be it. But be wise in your choices - keep it funny, uplifting, inspiring, or kid-friendly. We don't want to be triggering the stress response with our distractions.
Spend time in nature
Nature is such a great supporter of our wellbeing, as it helps to regulate the nervous system and get the body back into balance. Get barefoot on the ground or lie down for 15 to 20 minutes daily if you can. It will help you feel refreshed and restored. Take gentle walks in nature while focusing on enjoying your surroundings. As you are walking or lying on the ground, consider breathing in vitality and balance from the earth.
Call in support from something greater than yourself
If you believe in a higher power, consider surrendering your struggles over to that power, asking for assistance, and trusting that you are cared for and looked after. This helps to settle our stress response, as we feel more connected and less alone.
Remember that this too shall pass
Sometimes it is helpful to keep in mind that the only constant in life is change. Having ups and downs is a natural part of the recovery process, just Iike it is a natural part of life. Often if we can stop resisting what is and accept what we are experiencing, it creates the necessary space for change to occur.
Until next time!
If you have a question, please email me at dearcandyquestions@gmail.com
Candy Widdifield is Registered Clinical Counsellor, Wellness Coach, and Registered Reiki Master Teacher in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. She works with people all over the world, helping them to optimize their wellbeing and thrive in their lives. Her modalities include coaching, therapy, Holy Fire World Peace Reiki and the Safe & Sound Protocol. More information about Candy can be found at www.candywiddifield.com
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