So you’re having an awful, terrible, soul-sucking, or overwhelming day? Don’t just roll in it. Pull out some coping skills and give ’em a workout.
Gratitude lists. Yeah, I know—you’re not in the mood. But it always helps, and fast! If you can’t think of anything in your current state, make it a game. Find the most ridiculous or creative things to be grateful for. You’ll feel better (and maybe even laugh at yourself).
Quiet time-outs. Grab a few minutes alone and breathe. Deeply. Picture something peaceful and beautiful. Breathe out the yuck, breathe in peace.
Connection. Whether that’s with the Universe, your higher self, God, subconscious wisdom, or your dead Uncle Joe—it all counts. If prayer feels right, do that. Release your worries, then take a nap. That’s called spiritual multitasking.
Shield thyself. Use the Force, Luke! No need for other people’s emotional waves smacking you around right now. Visualize a translucent light surrounding you—blue, gold, glitter, whatever works. Fill it with calm. Even if you don’t buy the “energy” part, the focus and intention alone are grounding. And it helps to visualize what you don’t want bouncing right off that shield.
Smudge ’em if you’ve got ’em. Pleasant scents lift moods. Sage or incense if you’re woo-inclined, or just light a candle or spray something you love. Pleasant aroma = instant mood reset.
Turn on the tunes. Music is evocative mood magic. Use it to your advantage and get your jam on.
Chocolate therapy. Okay, maybe not your healthiest go-to if you’re frequently looking for a boost—but hey, chocolate now and then or an occasional glass of wine are usually safer than retail therapy. Small indulgences can help.
Keep it in perspective. Most stress is time-limited, even if it doesn’t feel like it. Remembering it will pass usually helps. Consider this practice for staying centered even when things get chaotic.
Remember the point. Why are you doing what you’re doing? This won’t apply to every situation, but sometimes we’re just struggling with transitions. Shift your focus from pain to purpose and your energy follows suit.
Mantras are awesome. Find a phrase, lyric, or quote that hits home. Repeat it until it starts to hum in your head.
Art it out. Create something to represent the issue. Then rip, burn, stomp, or flush it. Instant mini-banishing.
Scrub it off. Baths or showers with herbs (or pure intention) are magic. Think of the pain as dirt and imagine yourself washing it away. Watch it swirl down the drain.
Tea time. Herbal teas double as potions. Make it ceremonially, with intention. Sip slowly, or soak in it in a magical bath. Pick something calming.
Grab some sparkle! Crystals, stones, pretty rocks—they all count. Think worry-stone style. Rose quartz is great for softening rough edges, and a chunk in your hand gives your stress something sacred to do.
Breathe. And then breathe again. In through your nose for four, hold for four, out for four. Repeat until your mind starts to match the pace of your breath.
Tree-hugging. Nature is unbelievably grounding. Touch a tree, dig your toes into grass, or just step outside. Let the Earth compost your stress into something useful.
Look for hidden lessons. I’m not saying you “needed” this experience—God, no. We don’t need trauma to be awesome. But if I’m hurting, I figure I might as well get something useful out of it. There’s almost always a little wisdom hiding in the wreckage.
Above all, be gentle with yourself. Lean into whatever gives you relief, and know it will get better—because it always does.
Much love, fellow traveler. ♥
