Finding peace in unsettling times
It is an understatement to say we have been living in unprecedented times over the past two years since the pandemic. Add to the mix the most recent tragedy of school shootings, parade and grocery store shootings, violence in general, war in Ukraine, baby formula shortages, and skyrocketing prices for gas, food and other goods and services. With so much happening in our external worlds, it can be difficult to identify the strategies, tools, and strengths within ourselves that help us navigate forward in a healthy manner. When we are able to examine our needs and recognize how we are impacted by life events both within and outside of our control, it is easier to recognize the multitude of ways we can seek out the tools and support we need to improve our mental health and overall wellbeing.
So, where do we begin looking? A helpful way of viewing well-being is through a holistic, whole-person lens, drawing on all parts of who we are as human beings. On the first episode of the UTHealth Houston Well Connected Podcast, which is an initiative created to connect with the UTHealth Houston community in discussion about relevant topics impacting our wellbeing, Monica Guidry, the Executive Director for the UTHealth Employee Assistance Programs shares insights pertaining to the dimensions of wellbeing. A take-home message from this discussion: Find what works for you, in this moment. Start with the small, easy steps to find peace in your day-to-day experiences. Here are some quick tips on daily activities you could implement to stay calm and positive when the world feels so turbulent.
Activate Your Senses
Ever find yourself lost in thoughts of the unpleasant past or uncertain future? Drawing your awareness to your senses can ground you back into the present moment to find peace and regain focus.
Activity: Ask yourself, “What’s one thing I can see right now, one thing I can hear, one thing I can touch, etc.” Whether that’s popping some bubble wrap, listening to your favorite song, or finding shapes in clouds, activating your senses can be an effective grounding technique.
Connect with Spirituality
Spiritual well-being has been acknowledged as a vital component of holistic health management, especially in terms of coping through tumultuous and uncertain times. Spiritual well-being is that part of us that connects us to something bigger than ourselves. Many individuals find a connection with spirituality, however that term may be defined to them, to be particularly valuable during times of personal adversity and widespread anxiety or disaster. Caring for ourselves and others from the spiritual perspective provides space for compassion and empathy during periods of heightened stress, distress and anxiety.
Did you know: UTHealth Houston offers virtual meditation services on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays? Check out the schedule and join here.
Find Gratitude
Experiencing high levels of chronic stress, depression, anger, and hostility can have a potentially negative impact on our health. Taking the opportunity to shift negative thoughts to more positive ones can help redirect heightened emotional states before having an effect on our mood and decreasing the chances of harm to our overall wellbeing. A simple way to do this is by actively reminding yourself of the good things in your life. Activity: Take a few moments today to list out what you’re feeling thankful for. It could be a loved one, having a place to call home, or even a fond memory. This practice can help us focus on the positive parts of our daily lives and serve as a reminder that we can find calm amongst chaos.
Everyone is impacted by unsettling times and events differently, therefore it is important to discover what helps YOU find peace during these uncertain times.
The Office of Employee Assistance Programs offers free and confidential mental health services in addition to an array of wellness-related resources for overall wellbeing. These offerings are available for UTHealth Houston employees as well as their family members. Click here to learn more about the available services and resources or call 713-500-3327 to speak with a team member.