Siegels's Journal, 25 February 2021

I do gentle stretches and focused breathing/meditation at night before I go to sleep, and I swear by it. I'm not very good at meditating (it's very hard for me to clear my mind), but I'm getting better, and even being not great at it, I definitely feel an improvement in my mood and my mind. When I'm in a positive space, I can be a more positive person, and influence the people around me more positively. I'm also getting a little bit better at reaching out to people and asking them how they're doing - in part, I think, because I've gotten my "feet" under me and feel more equipped to take on part of their emotional burdens. Also not great at this yet, but workin on it.  

Also - I use allsides.com to get my news. It offers a neutral, centralized alternative on things, and a brief analysis for why some outlets are emphasizing certain things over others, which tends to be way less angst-inducing than what comes through the TV/newspapers.  

I start every day with prayer and Bible reading. Perfect peace. 😊🙏 

Wifey, that’s a great way to start! 

Recently confronted similar challenge. Won't clog your comments with my entire protocol but the core is - 5m yoga/stretch; intent; 18m meditation. Happy to share more via DMs if it's helpful. Peace.  

When school began in August, I woke early in the first day to pray for my grandchildren and their teachers. Rather than just praying and going on, I chose a scripture and prayed that over them. I also typed it out and sent it in a text message. That has since been my practice every school day. I start the day by opening my Bible app and finding a scripture for the day that applies to the situation, then pray for my school peeps. I send the prayer to 20 different people, but actually pray for more than that. 

Play a song that makes you “feel like you”. That gets my positive energy flowing. 

I use the Calm app and do a 10 or 15 minute meditation. Full disclosure: I am terrible at it. But it seems to get my day off to a better start with less negativity. 

Yeah. Prayer and gratitude App 🙏 

I snuggle my tiny fur baby Jojo. She is so sweet I can't be anything but happy around her. 

Making tea and having breakfast, even if it's just yoghurt and fruit, while listening to podcasts is very calming for me. 

take 5 minutes to reflect on what is good in your life and be thankful for it. Then decide on 1action you can take today that will help someone else.  

I spend time with God. He provides peace that passes understanding. Getting in my Bible for a bit and listening to worship instrumental is my go to. 

I usually wake up and think of all what's good in my life. The things that i may take for granted but that others are missing. Also always remember that any struggle that I'm going through is going to pass and just need to be patient and give it some time. 

just listen to some good Country music...that usually does the trick...or get into some kind of martial arts 

It’s very hard to be calm and give people around you the sense of well-being - that’s why it’s important to be close to the Lord because miraculously He gives you that. It’s like a secret miracle! Just knowing you can lean on Him makes a good day.👍🌺 

When I get up I make coffee and sit with my pets giving them a bit of attention for 20 minutes. 

I've started avoiding social media in the morning and going for a walk with my dog.  

meditation 

I started noticing things around me that set me off first thing. With my last job, and the one Im currently at, Ive changed my route to get there. There are certain intersections I need to avoid in the morning or my face melts off. Also, to help with getting out the door on time, I set out my clothes for the next day, and have started making my kid pick out her clothes for the next day too. Its just one less thing to worry about when you both know what youre already going to wear. When Im not working from home, I prepack my breakfast and lunch so all I have to do it grab it and go. Before my gym moved locations, I also packed my gym bag and had it ready for the morning. I realize that this may not be quite what you were looking for, but Ive been able to bring my own stress in the mornings down, and it reflects on everyone else in the house.