Managing Stress in the Midst of Chaos
It's late May, and everyone with school-aged kids is immersed in end-of-the-year chaos. So I'm going to keep it short and sweet, and just offer a quick reminder that the times that we feel like we have the least time to center ourselves are exactly the times that we need centering the most.
A few ideas for manageable steps you can take in this direction:
Take a deep breath in. Exhale, making the exhalation last longer than the inhalation.
Try this Mindful Minute video or this breathing visual aid as quick resets.
While you are breathing at your normal pace, notice where you feel your breath in your body. Do you feel it in your nose? In your mouth? Your chest? Your belly? Your back, against your chair? (If you have a few minutes and want to do this with a longer audio track, click here).
Instead of getting caught up in the chaos, make an effort to pay attention to where you are and what you're doing today. If you're sitting, know you're sitting. If you're standing up, know you're standing up. Walk and know you're walking. Notice where your mind is, notice what your state of mind is. Be in your body and notice what it feels like when you are really present.
Sending lots of warm wishes from my family full of chaos to yours.
P.S.-- we teach KIDS these same sorts of strategies for grounding themselves, being present in the moment, and letting go of stress, worry, and big emotions (plus MORE!) in our Mighty Minds program! It's not too late to sign your child up for this summer's sessions! More information below.
