Keep a daily journal to jot down observations, feelings, and taboo topics. This practice provides a sense of narrative control during times when much of your life feels out of your hands, allowing you to process difficult experiences.
Dare to share what’s truly going on for you in a real way, as vulnerability begets vulnerability. This encourages others to reciprocate, fostering deeper connections by dropping masks and curated personas.
Approach your health like a journalist: do thorough research, get second and third opinions, and speak to fellow patients. Arm yourself with information and due diligence to be an effective advocate for your own medical care.
Start your day by asking yourself: ‘If I could only do three things today, what would feel most important, rewarding, and nourishing?’ This thought exercise helps clarify priorities and focus energy, especially when feeling overwhelmed.
Learn to ‘swim in an ocean of uncertainty’ by staying present in whatever ’trip’ you’re on, without allowing your thoughts to ’time travel’ to the past or a scary future. This helps manage anxiety when life is upended and the ground feels unstable.
Make friends with yourself through some kind of creative outlet, whether writing, art, or another mode of expression. This allows you to ‘give ink’ to indescribable or uncontainable feelings, serving as a form of healing and self-examination.
When facing significant life challenges or opportunities, adopt a ’no time to waste’ mindset and be bold in asserting yourself or pursuing ambitions. This encourages you to ‘go for it’ rather than waiting, especially if you tend to be sheepish.
Resist the culture of constant hustling, striving, and comparison to others or past versions of yourself. Instead, cultivate more ease in your days and take a ‘pulse check’ to understand not just where you’re going, but more importantly, why.
When formal rites of passage are absent for significant life transitions (like surviving trauma), create your own ritualized healing ceremonies. This can help bridge the distance between ’no longer’ and ’not yet,’ aiding in recovery and re-entry.
Release expectations of achieving a perfect state of wellness and avoid constantly striving for an ideal, mirage-like health. Instead, learn to accept yourself as you are and exist somewhere in the ‘messy middle’ of feeling well or unwell.
When energy is limited, break down tasks into short, staggered bursts (e.g., 10-minute writing sessions). This allows you to maintain productivity and a sense of agency even from confined or challenging circumstances.
Be critical of the wellness industrial complex and unsolicited medical advice, especially when vulnerable. Do your research and think carefully before diving into anything sold as miraculous, to avoid misinformation and being taken advantage of.
Explore ‘The Isolation Journals,’ a free creative community that sends weekly journaling prompts from artists and writers. This resource offers a structured way to practice creative expression for healing, connection, and self-examination.
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