We are all near the tipping point of fatigue and exhaustion be it from repeated torment from political media ads, the coronavirus pandemic, business closures, stock market fluctuations, social isolation from those we love, care about, and wish we could get to know. There is no doubt that we are tired. Mental health issues are on the rise, fear and unrest seem to be underfoot at every turn. Yet, we wake up each day and move through each hour doing what needs to be done—landing at night ready for bed to recuperate for another day ahead of us. How do we do this? What’s your technique for maintaining strength and hope?

I ask this question because we are all in the same situation. Our world has been turned around and even our children are learning in a way that some non-computer savvy parents and grandparents, are left in the hallway without being able to offer help to their little ones. We all see the potential impact, yet we have a sense of hopefulness and strength that we will get through this, and be stronger. Additionally, we all know we are not in this alone. We are part of a community that shares our concerns and beliefs and dreams for a better future.

In many ways, when I spend time with older adults and listen to the stories of their youth or wartime friendships, raising their families, and even struggles with alcohol or PTSD, I gain a sense of comfort. Why? What we are experiencing I realize is new to us, but it appears to be part of our humanity, our growth process, our development and evolution as a nation and as individuals—and we are not alone. In fact, our grandparents, great-grandparents, and parents have all lived through life cycles that we are experiencing, only it was characteristic to the tools and issues of their day, and looked different than our world today.

This leads me to believe that humans have resilience built into their DNA. We are designed to think, adapt, change, create, be creative, and envision something bigger and better than what is present today. How do we get from here today to somewhere we can imagine and believe in? How do we keep our strength from moment to moment, and day today? As we believe and hope for a better future, we need to preserve our energy. Some ways familiar to all of us, and sometimes we forget to practice include the following:

• Take a breath when you feel overwhelmed. Breathing slows your heart rate and lowers your blood pressure.
  Realize how much you have to be grateful for today – in the here and now.
• Eat what you need—healthy food in regular cycles. Don’t forget to drink water instead of other substances.
• Stay in the present. Slow your mind down by realizing right now is the most important moment that requires your attention.
• Believe in your strength and spirit. Share a smile. Extend a hand to a neighbor. Be kind.
• Write your worries on paper or in your journal. Write your challenges and successes there too. Writing your thoughts out helps your mind feel relaxed and reassured that you are paying attention, and then you are not troubled by the noise when you want to rest or go to sleep.
• Call a friend, family member, or someone you want to connect with and take a few minutes to get caught up with what’s been happening with each of you.
• Dance. Walk. Smile. Laugh. Watch a funny movie. Cry a good cry. All this helps you release the negativity out of your system and lets your body de-stress.

Always remember, you are not in this alone. There are many around to offer help, share experiences, and share good energy. Connect and be positive. We will see the other side of this rainbow and be changed and different for the better without a doubt. Anyone who struggles and gets through turbulence is always stronger and more able. Hold hands and reach out. We are in this together!

Namaste.