Staying Sane When Everything is Going Wrong - By Archie
Dobbins **
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Sometimes it seems that no matter what you do, some days it seems like you
would have been better off staying in bed. And sometimes, even that is no
escape. There are natural therapies, available to everyone, that cost
zero, that can help get you back on track. After all, everyone wants to
feel good about themselves. The truth is that a person with a poor
self-image and a depressed attitude can do little to be an uplifting
source of inspiration to those others important to you.
So if you have ever had a day that begins with missing the alarm clock
because the power went out, the toast burned, one of the kids is sick, you
were wishing for a night of intimacy with your special other, you get a
speeding ticket, the boss reams you out, the trip home from work is a
series of delays and the children are waiting at the babysitter’s, your
teenager is in a cranky mood, and your significant other expects a night
of much needed romance, you are tired and exhausted, and…..
Everyone has days like this from time to time. It is a numbers game, and
sooner or later, your turn comes up. The important thing to remember is
that, when taken in relation to other peoples’ lives, your problems may
seem insignificant. It is easy for others to say it is trivial because
they are feeling fine, while you feel like the wrath of God has rained all
over you. But, don’t worry, their turn will come as well.
The solutions that follow should not be tried when operating machinery,
driving a vehicle, flying an airplane, or when in imminent danger. Use
common sense.
The following is a list of tried and tested methods to get your mind to
slow down and help get back on track:
1: STOP! Breathe in deeply, and slowly, hold for a few seconds, then
slowly breathe out. Do this 3 times. This will prevent hyperventilation,
you know, the short, rapid breaths and the elevated heartbeat and
temperature.
2: GET AWAY! Try to get away from the source of irritation. If you can’t
escape to a quiet place for five minutes, try just sitting down with your
eyes closed. This will lower the amount of stimulus to the brain.
3: READ! Find a relaxing magazine that will stimulate other senses, such
as a holiday magazine. Better yet, read a few pages of your favourite
book. Some good ideas for reading material should focus on your hobbies,
interests or desires. Try to avoid reading newspapers, tabloids, and other
material that does not uplift you at the expense of others.
4: LISTEN! If it is necessary to relax, choose soothing melodies with soft
instrumental backgrounds. If you need uplifting, listen to your favourite
pop music, if necessary, but stay away from pounding beats, as they tend
to slow down the decision-making processes. Try headphones.
5: WRITE: Try making a list of the most important three things you wish to
accomplish today. Don’t try to do more than that, if the world seems to be
closing in around you. Be reasonable. Pace yourself. As each item is done,
draw a line through it. There is something magical that happens when you
draw the line through a finished item.
6: SHARE! Write a note to someone you trust, explaining how you feel, and
why. It doesn’t have to be a long letter, but the more you write, the
better you will feel. Better yet, write a letter or email to someone and
try to cheer them up, even if they don’t need cheering up. Watch what
happens to you when you do this one!
7: CARE! Do something nice for someone. Choose someone who has nothing to
give back to you. Be unselfish. Be totally there with that person, even if
it is only for a few minutes. Help a child tie their shoe, visit a senior
in a retirement home, Stop in to see a seldom-visited friend, and ask how
they are. When they speak, tune out all else and listen. Try to understand
each word they say, and acknowledge it.
8: REMEMBER! Who are you, really. Deep down inside, away from the clutter
of your fast paced life, there is the person that you see yourself as.
Maybe it is when you were in a certain grade in school, and you felt the
best about yourself, maybe it was after winning, perhaps it is as you see
yourself in the mirror now. Whatever is the best image you have of
yourself, close your eyes and see it.
9: AFFIRM! Don’t be afraid to say to yourself, “I’m OK. I am a good
person. I deserve to be loved. I love others, and I am good for them. I am
feeling better, already.
10: CHOOSE! How the day goes from here is your choice. Expect the best. It
beats the alternative.
Then, reward yourself. The reward can be something as simple as a cup of
coffee, a candy bar or snack, or, if a real pick-me-up is needed, find the
nearest small airport and ask the airport manager about buying a Pilot for
a Day package. The thrill and exhilaration of flight is a sure way to
clean out the mental clutter. If you have never stretched your limits,
this is a guaranteed way to feel better about yourself. After all, not
everyone has the fortitude to step out of their comfort zone.
