Nurturing Yourself in Times of Crisis

“Losing your head in a crisis is a good way to become the crisis.” 

~C.J. Redwine

 

Crisis seems to be ever present in our lives these days. Whether caused by violence, health challenges, or natural disasters, many of us live in a constant state of crisis management. Even if you have not experienced the crisis personally, the media pulls us in and we may feel traumatized by witnessing the crisis through our screens.

 

I have definitely felt the stress of the last few weeks of crisis in our country and more recently the stress of a dear family member who is hospitalized in a health crisis. As in the past when my daughter struggled with chronic health challenges, I have experience profound grief, overwhelm, and the stress of witnessing my family process this shocking decline in the health of our loved one. I have found that my usual self-nurturing activities have not been enough to refuel me during this time of increased stress.

 

Nurturing ourselves during normal times is essential for our health and wellbeing, but is absolutely critical during times of crisis. Nurturing ourselves allows us to gracefully respond during the crisis and lovingly nurture others through the crisis.

 

Here are some self-nurturing ideas to consider during times of crisis.

 

1. Start with Gratitude –

Look for things you are grateful for even when things are difficult. Recognizing blessings shifts our perspective and nurtures us deeply. Simply being grateful that we are alive can empower and energize us.

 

2. Remain Updated –

Knowing what is happening during a crisis is very important, but we must be mindful we do not fuel our anxiety by listening to too much information or watching distressing images. Finding the balance between staying informed but not adding to your stress is the key.

 

3. Stay Connected to Family and Friends –

Finding ways to feel connected to family and friends during a crisis decreases our feelings of isolation and grief that can arise in a crisis. Knowing that we are loved and appreciated and showing others they are too is very nurturing and gives us hope.

 

4. Keep Some Regular Routine –

If possible continue some of the regular activities of your day, including self-nurturing activities like exercise, eating nourishing food, meditation and/or prayer and sleep. Maintaining some normalcy can be very supportive and help shift us out of a crisis mindset.

 

5. Laugh and Have Fun –

Sometimes it seems impossible to feel lighthearted during times of crisis but nothing shifts our perspective quicker than to laugh and have some fun. Allowing ourselves to feel some joy even when we are experiencing difficult times can refuel us like nothing else and enable us to thrive.

 

6. Do Something to Help Others –

Reaching out to others in need during times of crisis can be very empowering and give us perspective about our own suffering. Donating to a relief organization or writing a thank you to first responders, health care workers, or those who supported you in a crisis can be a deeply nurturing experience.

 

7. Spread Love and Light in the World –

Knowing that the most important thing we have to give in the world is our love, compassion, and kindness, I invite us all to be generous. We have the power to transform crisis into gratitude and grace by spreading more love and light in the world. Being love and light is nurturing and healing for the receiver and the giver and brings hope to the most challenging of situations.

 

May you find ways to nurture yourself and others during times of crisis and may you nurture peace in the world from the inside out.