5 minute read

The sad truth is there isn’t a single person who isn't aware of struggles happening somewhere in the world, even if it’s within our own family. Grief, stress, anxiety and fear surround us all at some point and often, it's at these times when we pull away from everything, go inside and curl into a metaphorical ball.

So what exactly can we do about it? We have a plan for when someone falls down – we find them a plaster. When their knee swells up, we give them an ice-pack to ease the pain, but what can we offer when they, and we, have wounds we cannot see?

Here are five ways you can connect to yourself and those around you:  

1. Practise acceptance

This, in my opinion, is the most important and the lack of it so often causes heartache and pain. When was the last time you judged yourself on your actions, your thinking, your non-actions, your non-thinking? It’s incessant, isn’t it? 

This need to berate yourself each day – no wonder you don’t always feel like jumping out of bed in the mornings! Try to imagine this inner voice is a person, a huge person sat on your shoulder weighing you down… no wonder it's hard to concentrate. 

But what can you do about it? Well, when we take a mindful approach, instead of trying to ignore it and drown it out (often unsuccessfully) with happy thoughts, we approach it with acceptance and eventually, understanding. Not an acceptance of what's being said necessarily, but an acceptance that it needs to be heard. Almost immediately, this voice doesn't need to shout anymore – it's being listened to, being heard and eventually it will quieten to a whisper.

It's the same when you're there for your friends, family and loved ones who are suffering. When they say things that may seem irrational and they're speaking from a place of fear, give them the space to speak, the space to be heard, and in time, that voice for them will start to fade, too.

2. Ask for help

Asking for help used to have such a stigma attached to it, but thankfully that is changing now and the power of vulnerability is beginning to dominate the mainstream. One of most important psychological first-aid treatments we can give ourself and others is the power to ask for help and be open to receiving it. A friend, family member, doctor or helpline – all are there for us when we're ready to reach out and be supported.

3. Appreciate and celebrate

Did you know that when you appreciate someone, they get the same warm fuzzy feeling as when they know they are loved? For that reason alone, we need to be doing more of it. When we start appreciating ourselves and celebrating those tiny things we do well, or that we did better than yesterday, something magical happens and the good stuff keeps on coming and growing.

When we appreciate others; when we recognise how they're improving and demonstrate this to them, it has a huge impact on their healing and gives them the confidence to keep going too.

4. Spend time in nature

We may feel like the big buildings and corporations have been here forever, but they really haven't – it's been the trees, oceans and mountains that were here first! Get yourself out there into nature's garden and have a dose of her medicine by going for a walk, taking deep breaths and getting back into the moment.

The desire to stay inside can be strong, but the need to get outside is stronger. Take your friends and family with you too, as it's a good exercise for everyone involved.

5. Tune into your senses

The one thing that gets us out of our heads immediately is when we get into our bodies and our senses. That moment when your thoughts are ruminating out of control again is not a time to be positive – not yet anyway. It's a time to connect to your breath, feel your beating heart and the sensation of the cool wind against your face.

Take your friend outside and help them reconnect to what's real and what it means to be alive. Help them reconnect to who they truly are again.

Find out more about Emma Fairclough at Soulcy.com

Image: Getty