12 - Quick Fixes for Frustration, Temper, Depression and Difficulty Focusing

      Numerous things distract children from playing outside: computer games, cell phones, T.V., and the internet. In these last 25 years, technology has changed many neighborhoods. Rarely do I see children playing outside anymore. I remember playing so many games and sports with the neighborhood kids. But now, on average, children from 8 to 18 spend seven hours a day looking at their phones or computers. 

     Many of us feel even edgier with the politics and world conflicts. And as adults, we get distracted by even more things: working, paying bills, and watching the news, which makes us edgy, overwhelmed, depressed, and wondering when the gasoline prices will stop rising, and the war in Ukraine will stop. All of this stresses you to the max, making you depressed, unfocused, and more easily irritated than you'd like.  

Here are a couple quick techniques to help you and your family to relax, be happier, and bounce out of your funk:  

1. Hug a tree. (I'm always told by healers that I must walk outside and hug a tree. Thank God I have a few in my yard, or I'd look like an idiot hugging a neighbor's tree.) I don't mean a quick hug. Instead, give yourself some time with your arms wrapped around a nice-sized trunk, enjoying what it feels like as your body gradually unwinds. Be aware of your breathing slowing down, your shoulders dropping, and feeling at peace and centered. Don't think of anything except how good that hug feels. No talking, no worrying, just hugging and deep, slow breathing. I've hugged trees during challenging times and have broken down crying. Wow! What a release.

Smell, see and listen to the beauty.

"Forest Bathing" (Shinrin Yoku)

In Japan, many believe walking through a forest enhances the immune system, making you strong and healthier. This is scientifically proven. -  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18394317/  The essential oils from the wood emitted in the air are called phytoncides, which increase the number of healthy cells in your body, which fight sickness and disease. https://lonerwolf.com/4-eccentric-ways-trees-can-heal-you/se.

2. Walk outside and look at the stunning sky, the trees, or the flowers and then zero in on one tree,  a leaf,  a rock, or a piece of wood and really notice everything about it. Breathe deeply. If your family is with you, tell them to do it also, but no talking for a few minutes. Then maybe take turns sharing if they noticed their breathing changing or how they felt centered. 

3.  One tool some of my old students tell me that they still use this technique since high school: Take a few slow deep breaths and see roots growing out of the bottom of your feet, burrowing deep into the ground to the core of the earth. It is your choice what the heart of our planet looks like. I see a reddish-brown and yellow burning rock. I visualize my roots tying around the middle of the earth. Many of my students shared this was the technique they used the most, especially before a test. 

Other blogs that might be helpful:

Havening #117 -   https://othersideofloss.blogspot.com/2022/06/havening-is-somewhat-new.html  

 EFT #23 -  https://othersideofloss.blogspot.com/2018/02/23-anxiety-and-fear-can-take-over-your.html 

Quick Fixes #17 - https://othersideofloss.blogspot.com/2018/01/17-updating-your-brain-so-youre-not.html

If you wish to write and share what you do to help you relax or share about any of these techniques which might have helped you or a family member, I would love to hear from you. My email is tbboivin8@gmail.com. I will respond in a couple of days.