In the musical “Hamilton,” Christopher Jackson who plays the role of George Washington, once says, “Dying is easy, living is harder.” While in the context of the musical, it might mean something else, I always took it at face value. I think it simply means that life can throw some serious curveballs our way, but it is up to us, how we deal with it.
So, here are five tools from my Emotional First Aid Kit that have helped me at times to not continue feeling overwhelmed and emotionally drained:
Breathing Exercises: Going Back To Basics
The first step to keep yourself from getting all over the place because of sudden anxiety and stress is to breathe. Take a moment, inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale through your mouth. Repeat this until you feel better.
Representational image of a person practicing breathing exercises | Image generated using Dall-E
Music: Let It Wash Your Troubles Away
Music is powerful and not just when you are partying. The right playlist can influence your mood, it can uplift your mood. Whether it’s a calming melody or a peppy soundtrack, let the music wash over you and lift your spirits during tough times.
Representational image of a person listening to music | Image generated using Dall-E
People: Choose Your Person
While it is always good to surround yourself with a network of friends and loved ones, it is more important to have the name and contact of that one person you would turn to in times of need. Choose a person in front of whom you don’t have to hide your emotions and can just be yourself.
Representational image of two people having a heartfelt conversation| Image generated using Dall-E
Faith: The Invisible Helping Hand
People who find solace in their religion can feel at ease when holding an item that resembles some significance. It could be a prayer book, rosary beads, or a sacred symbol – these are not just objects, but a connection they have with something greater than themselves.
Representational image of diverse individuals engaged in prayer| Image generated using Dall-E
Self-Care: Only You Know Yourself Best
Understand what makes you comfortable. From your cozy blanket to your favorite book or scent, keep these things closer to you when in distress. Also, rewarding yourself sometimes with a hot cup of chocolate or pizza with tons of cheese, can help too (works for me at least).
Representational image of a person engaging in self-care | Image generated using Dall-E
Photo generated using Dall-E
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