The Hindu Business Line : Facing tough times

If you are going through tough times in health, finance, relationships or career, do not get disheartened. Don’t let your thoughts take on the hues of a defeatist. Take heart. The world is a good place. There are good people everywhere. Tough times can be put to good use in many ways:

Reflect to deflect: Reflect and learn about what makes you uncomfortable. For example, maybe you took a loan for a new car because your colleague made it sound so easy. Maybe you didn’t realise how quickly the EMIs can pile up. But, in this process, what have you learnt about yourself? That taking a loan doesn’t suit you. So, next time, you won’t repeat this mistake. Such realisations are very valuable because they contribute to your long-term wellness.

Become receptive: Don’t be hard on yourself. Open yourself, become receptive. A close writer friend of mine went through trying two years when she couldn’t write a word. But, suddenly she realised that she was absorbing what she was reading much better. “I wasn’t so relaxed because I was always thinking of my own deadlines,” she says today. “But when I got out of my way, I learnt a whole lot more!” Similarly, identify to yourself where you have opened up.

Eat, drink and be merry: Make gradual changes towards including body-friendly foods and beverages and excluding brain-drainers. Avoid aerated drinks. The caffeine in them leeches out calcium, magnesium and potassium; it raises adrenaline and your temper. Cut down coffee and tea to manageable levels. An alkaline banana-strawberry milk shake soothes if you have acidity. Don’t sweeten it with sugar. Sugar-induced mood swings make the world look bleaker. Sweeten with honey instead. Mind-soothing foods are— fish, walnuts, flaxseeds rich in omega 3 fatty acids; milk, lassi, icecream and paneer can raise the brain-calming serotonin; hot rice and dal provide warm comfort. Avoid deep-fried foods and red meats — you feel heavy, peevish and prematurely old. For the same reason, don’t overeat or eat until you feel sleepy. This kind of food-induced sleep can cause restlessness and can result in unpleasant dreams as the body struggles to digest the excessive stuff. Many yoga teachers advise fruits and milk for dinner to keep the body light.

amla, greens. Drink 8-10 glasses of water. Dehydrated muscles tire very easily and add to the disgruntled feeling.

Cycle to serenity: Make your cycle your sacred spot. If you aren’t in a mood to perch yourself on the little triangular seat, hook your bike to an armchair. Switch on your favourite mantra. Cycle and chant to serenity. Both activities lower the stress-hormone cortisol and elevate your brain chemistry to a close-to-bliss level. You will feel the easing and lightening exactly on the 32nd minute. Cycle seven days a week. Tip — keep your mobile phone switched off.

Sing to re-acquire the fire: Singing, like laughing, eases tension. But remember to avoid slow, tear-jerking, self-pity-evoking songs. Go for positive, peppy, fast-paced ones. Patriotic songs are great to re-acquire your lost fire. They have a rousing beat and meaning that sends the can-do surge through your mental and physical sinews. Sing while driving to work. It helps you stride to your cabin with squared shoulders, straight spine and a staunch heart.

Spa away that post-lunch slump: A swim lifts you right out of that afternoon energy slump. However, if a pool is inaccessible, place a few round, smooth pebbles in a shallow plastic tub. Pour cool water and some rose water in it. Stand in it and rub your sole one at a time against the pebbles. It’s your own acupressure spa that brings a jolt of energy. Throw some cool water on your face too.

Monitor your thoughts: Angry, resentful, bitter, unforgiving thoughts open doors to all things negative. The mental defence system and the physical immune system break down and cause hypertension, diabetes, etc. Accepting, forgiving thoughts open doors to good health, peace, joy, productivity. Yes, weak negative thoughts will keep emerging. Just affirm forcefully, “No! I’m not like that! I choose to forgive…!” and hold on to that thought until strength pours back into you.

Learn the problem-solving secret: The secret is not to fight yourself, simply allow yourself to know without self-condemnation that there is an imbalance in some sphere of your life. It’s okay. The less critical and judgemental you are, the clearer becomes your path to a solution. You will voluntarily adjust your attitude, become more selfless, less egoistic… Gradually, small pieces will fall back into place, each tear will be repaired, tiny rifts will be bridged… You will progress inch by inch yet heal yard by yard. This is the beautiful generosity and abundance of life’s laws.

Settle into a beautiful life-affirming routine of exercise, eating for good health, chanting, singing. Relax with comics. Surf spiritual channels for mental freshness. Three times a day, take five deep breaths and exhale with eyes closed. And keep this great thought firm and steady in your mind — Tough times do not last. Tough people do.

The writer is co-author of the book ‘Fitness for Life”.

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