There is such a storm blowing here. It’s been going on all day already and it’s so strong that you can't go outside. We've also had some plant pots crashing down from the top floor balcony, as well as a roof tile that’s narrowly missed the car parked close to the house.
The high air pressure makes your head all befuddled, too. It seems that I can't really concentrate on anything. It’s a bit annoying, as I had some plans to do a few things which I feel unable to now, but on the other hand, it got me thinking.
As I'm watching the trees bend so far in the wind and none of them break, I am reminded of the human spirit. How far can we yield and what kind of pressure can we withstand when we learn to not be too rigid or fixed in our views and expectations, but rather allow room for flexibility and spontaneity.
When we resist all changes, when we are not ready and flexible enough to handle the curveballs life throws at us, we will eventually break. Something has to give and if we cannot bend and yield, we will break. This can show up in a manner of physical, mental and emotional ways. From diseases that slow us down and, at worst, even kill us, to mental breakdowns and trauma.
The good news is, this doesn’t have to be so. There is no need for doom and gloom because we can prevent this from happening or take steps to bring ourselves back from the edge. Prevention is always easier than cure, so here are 5 things you can do to look after yourself and prevent yourself from becoming too rigid.
1. Practice regular selfcare. When we feel good about ourselves, it is easier to feel strong and confident.
2. Do something that pushes you out of your comfort zone once or twice a month. Whether that is going dancing or speaking in public, do something you are not altogether comfortable with in order to remain flexible and prove to yourself that you can take on and overcome challenges. The added confidence boost will help you find solutions rather than despair when you find yourself facing unforeseen challenges in life.
3. Exercise. No need for marathon running and bungee jumping, but getting out there and going for a walk regularly or finding another sport that you enjoy doing will boost your immune system and release happy hormones in your body that make you more resilient.
4. Go out in nature. A stroll through town is nice but connecting with nature is the best. Many scientific studies have proven the many physical and mental health benefits from regularly connecting with nature. It even makes you more intelligent. And that can only help when you’re troubleshooting, right?
5. IDGAF. That’s probably the most challenging. We are so conditioned to worry about what other people think of us, how we are judged and whether this will lead to us being rejected by a single person or group of people that we often worry more about what others think and feel than what we really want and who we really are. I’m not advocating ruthless egotism and inconsideration, but authenticity and compassion towards yourself first before anyone else. Being true to yourself doesn’t have to mean you’re hurting another, unless they profit from using your inability to draw up healthy boundaries and know your own path and identity. So here it is, taken three times a day, IDGAF (I don’t give a fuck) is very good for your life and wellbeing!
What regular practices do you do to stay healthy, happy and open to change?