Your top personal priority right now
6 ways to double down and get proactive before things go sideways
In the early days of the pandemic my friends and family thought I was being a bit Cassandra. On a tip from a friend at the World Health Organization, in the end of January 2020 I stocked up on hand sanitizer, gloves, fever medication, and dry goods. I never thought lockdown would only last 2 weeks and I avoided social situations as soon as NY State declared a state of emergency.
I also started meditating, going for mental health walks, and hosting Zoom parties that first weekend.
Why?
Because when things are going sideways it’s as much of a mental game as a physical one. When you expect a marathon you run paced from the start.
I have that feeling now.
That we’re in for a few long months, full of tectonic shifts, and it’s unclear how exactly it will effect us all… Knowing the next few months are likely to be full of off-putting comments, tense national moments, and difficult conversations (or, at best, avoiding those things) it’s time to be proactive again.
Wellbeing is our household’s top priority right now
There’s a central theory to my practice and my life, summed up in a sentence:
You cannot draw water from an empty well.
Meaning, I cannot give what I do not have. In order to be a supportive coach, an effective speaker, or a good problem solver I need to be regulated and aligned enough to think clearly and discerningly. My job is to help people and I can’t help if I’m unwell.
I think this is true for everyone on some level - if we are going to weather these storms and heal these divides we need to be radically well. THAT is resilience.
For lots of people “resilience” has become hollow. A four-letter-word in and of itself. In reality, resilience is an essential state where we keep on keepin’ on.
That’s our top priority now.
Building up the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual capacity to handle whatever happens next.
How?
6 Strategies to Build Resilience - Starting Now:
Here are 6 things I’m already doing to get in better alignment, self containment, and regulations before I’m an emotional puddle on the floor:
Trim your feeds.
That cousin you don’t talk to who posts memes that make your blood boil? Unfollow.
That dude from high school who’s making conspiracy theory videos?
Block.
That former co-worker who joined an MLM cult?
Mute.
Rinse. Repeat.
I’ve also removed a fair bit of news and influencers who just make me feel crappy. I don’t need them reminding me of unhelpful noise.
Your feeds have been designed to hook your attention and hack your dopamine. Free yourself & prune often.Protect your sleep like it’s critical.
Because it is. Sleep 101 guide here.Block out “off phones time” & spend it on self-affirming activities.
Your phone makes you forget yourself, but not in a good way. In a way that’s hollow, overstimulating, and depleting.
What to do instead?
Activities that fill you up. That remind you who you are in your most authentic, aligned version of you. Bonus points if it’s done with people that fill you up, too.For me that is yoga, spiritual practices, running and hiking, sitting around a fire, and music. Remember or discover who you are without the phone.
Schedule movement snacks throughout the day.
More on movement snacks and their research here.Boundaries. Big Time.
Know what to say no to. Say it twice if you have to. The 3rd time make the consequences clear.If you’re a people pleaser or early in your self work the boundaries thing feels impossible. The people who can’t or won’t respect your boundaries benefit from that feeling in you.
(If you struggle with boundaries let’s talk about it)Connect with what’s greater than you.
This could be nature, The Universe, God - doesn’t matter what you call it. What does matter is the routine connection with the feeling of connection. Keep your internal compass calibrated.
I start each morning (after I feel the cats) with a simple, 5 minute ritual for transcendence. It connects me with feelings of gratitude, my higher purpose, and fills me with optimism that the day is an opportunity instead of a burden.
What practices are you leaning into to keep wellbeing your top priority?
Share your thoughts & resources in the comments
Looking for more on your journey from survive to thrive?
There are a few ways I can help you keep it movin’:
90 Minute Wellness Roadmap (currently on sale) - Struggling or stuck? Spend 90 minutes with expert eyes looking at your own efforts to grow fitness, wellness, and wellbeing.
Free Ultra-processed Food Guide - Struggling to eat better, but also know that diets don’t work for you? Want to be healthy, but know that diet culture is big ole lie? Want someone to teach you about what food is actually bad for health? Download this freebie anytime.
Better Than Fine podcast - if you appreciate this substack you should check out the Better Than Fine podcast - we livestream new episodes every Wednesday on the NASM YouTube channel