Psychology Today: Maintain Personal Control When Life Is Out of Control

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“We are all feeling depleted from layers of discouraging world news—pandemics, wars, natural disasters, and inflation. On an individual level, we each are trying to hold together relationships, encourage depressed children or spouses who seem to have lost hope, and convince ourselves that we have the energy for one more day. Here are five ideas to reorient your relational focus.

1. Prayer/meditation

For some, prayer or meditation seems too simple to be effective, but research overwhelmingly shows many benefits of prayer (including salat) and meditation, and likely these benefits are enhanced through a process of internal dialogue. Prayer allows people to attach to something beyond themselves and encourages a sense of connectedness. The positive internal dialogue of any form of prayer can include more hopeful self-talk (internal), reflection on relationships with others (external), and connection with the Divine (upward).

2. Speaking positively

When we are aiming to reconnect with those we love, don’t underestimate the power of a kind word of praise or support. No matter what the activity, a little encouragement can increase our effort or help us develop more grit.

3. Speaking to your spouse’s potential

This skill is related to #2, but it focuses on motivating by addressing our partner’s possibilities. We certainly can acknowledge reality, but try to leave some room for inspiration and larger promise. Some of the most invitational moments for change are when someone inspires us to see our greater potential.

4. Take care of yourself: mentally, physically, spiritually

Take time to rest, eat, and connect with yourself. I like to get a cup of tea and snuggle in my bed with a great book. Once I’ve indulged myself for 30 minutes, I feel nourished and valued.

5. Feeling gratitude

In the Journal of Happiness, researchers reported that appreciating the positive aspects of life leads to less psychopathology, better interpersonal relationships, and improved physical health. Voltaire said, “Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” We are “twice blessed,” as Shakespeare suggested, by the gratitude we speak and the feelings of connectedness it engenders. “

💬 Do you feel you are maintaining personal control in these times?

💬 Are you tending to your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs?

#Control #Well-being #Self-care