As we all navigate our bonanza of worldwide crises, many of us are feeling stuck with weighty feelings, such as fear and despair. These feelings, if unmitigated, can suppress our immune systems and make us more vulnerable to illness and disease, and make it more difficult to think critically and clearly. As if feeling awful weren’t bad enough!

There are literally countless ways to move these feelings! I offer some of my tried-and-true favorites here, but the most important thing is to do something, and find a wholesome way to a lighter heart. ASAP.

1.     Breathe

Place one hand on your belly, and one hand on your heart, close your eyes, and give yourself over to the warm and comforting feelings this generates within. The more you surrender to the comfort, the better it works. Try pranayama yoga techniques, too.

2.     Move your body

Dance, do yoga, play a sport, walk, run, work out, or make love! It all works. My current favorite is putting on dance music, getting on my mini-trampoline, and bounce-dancing until I’m breathless. Darkness just can’t hold sway when you boogie with all your might. Try it.

3.     Sing

Play the happiest songs that you know the lyrics to, and sing your heart out. No criticism allowed, and I mean it! You can raise yourself from despair to lightheartedness in a matter of minutes. 

4.     Laugh

Use whatever it takes to get started laughing, even if it feels fake and forced at first. Once you get going, your gloom will dissipate and your immune system will get a very real boost.  In my opinion, this is one of the great uses for the internet. If you can’t find a hilarious video, say, of a panda bear tobogganing in the snow on his belly, or a racoon washing her fingers with delight in the spray from a garden sprinkler, try comedy films or stand-up acts.

5.     Create

There is nothing like losing yourself in a creative project to bring you home to your true nature! I like to cook, make lotions and potions, or crochet. I have friends who color, paint, knit, sculpt, scrap-book and sew, among other things. It doesn’t much matter what you choose. The act of creating puts you in touch with the creator, and that’s a healthy place to be.

6.     Meditate 

If you don’t already have a meditation practice, avail yourself of the many free guided meditations available online. Personally, I am fond of Sharon McErlane’s Net of Light, Belinda Womack’s meditations with the angels, and just about anything from the collections of Louise Hay. Japa meditation is my newest obsession: the late, great Dr. Wayne Dyer has some fascinating information available in books and videos.

7.     Pray

Not belonging to any particular religion, I was at first hesitant to utilize prayer, but I have found, over the years, that this has become more and more a source of enduring comfort and wisdom for me. I am always answered, in one form or another. If spontaneous prayer doesn’t work for you, there is a world of repeated prayers and mantras available – they all exist for humanity to access and be helped in any situation. 

8.     Connect with Nature

I know people who are afraid to go out in the woods, so let me be clear here: there are innumerable ways to connect with Nature! Find the ways that work for you. Watch trees dancing in the wind, listen to the symphony of birdsong at dawn, or stand on a mountaintop, far from any human establishments. Dip your feet the ocean, take a walk in the rain, or soak in the sunshine. Hang out with a beloved pet. Put your hands and feet upon the soil of a garden. Let a breeze caress your face. Observe a bug doing its fascinating bug things. Whatever it is, give yourself fully to the experience. Let Nature reach you, comfort you, and lift you. 

9.     EFT (Tapping)

This method is structured and precise, with a concrete protocol to follow and rely upon, which can be super helpful if you are really low. There are many readily available sources to help you learn to do this technique – you can find them free online or at the library. I’ve found Nick Ortner’s Tapping Solution to be excellent. You can also find practitioners who specialize in the technique, if you want personalized guidance.

10.  Receive Bodywork 

A deeply impactful way to move from darkness to light, the term “bodywork” encompasses an enormous range of therapies, including energy healing, massage, craniosacral work, and myofascial release, to name just a few. Bodywork can be received from a professional in a therapeutic setting, be self-administered, or be given by a friend or family member. Whatever way you go about getting it, make sure it is delivered from a place of knowledge, respect, non-judgment and loving kindness. Be prepared for transformation!

11.  Be of Service

Find a way to do some good. Really give your attention to the task, and give your whole heart for the benefit of someone or something besides yourself. It doesn’t have to be a big production, or even something out of the ordinary – what makes the difference is how freely you give of yourself as you do it, and your desire to improve life or a situation for someone or something else. For many of us (I think of mothers, in particular), serving is so ingrained in our daily life as to be habitual – bring your intention and awareness to it and make it special. Recognize and honor yourself for the giving you do. You’ll be lifted.

12.  Gather

Amplify the effects of any of the practices listed above by doing them together with people you love and enjoy. We need one another now more than ever. Celebrate unity with others every chance you get.

I believe that we are meant to be free, and unaddressed feelings of fear and despair can cage us within. For me, the truest expression of freedom begins within myself, where nobody but me is in charge. Nobody but me makes the rules about how I will feel or think regarding any situation, person, or event. This means that if I am walking around unhappy, afraid, or hopeless, I am not embracing my freedom of choice, and I have no outer influence to blame for that. It’s on me. 

That may seem very simple, but for some of us, myself included, it can take real, prolonged effort and support to learn how to exercise that choice, to learn how to be free, and truly embrace our true nature. I believe we all are worth the effort.