How I Stay Grounded in Turbulent Times

In life, one of the few things we can count on is change. Whether it’s personal, professional, or societal, things are always shifting, often bringing a mix of positive transformations and difficult challenges. When we are experiencing ground shaking upheavals, it often feels like we are moving through the stages of grief, moving through shock, anger, bargaining, depression, and eventually acceptance. In effect we are grieving how life used to be or how we imagined it.

• Many spiritual traditions, from Buddhism to Stoicism and even Yoga, emphasize the importance of accepting what is, without letting it disturb our inner peace. This practice takes conscious effort, especially in times of turmoil. But as I’ve learned, it's not about passively resigning ourselves to the way things are. Instead, it’s about accepting the present moment for what it is while knowing that we hold the ability to change how we respond.

  
  

• It’s true that change can be unsettling. As humans, we crave comfort, stability, and predictability. When we’re thrown into times of uncertainty, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and lose focus. We may struggle with staying on top of our work, tackling household tasks, caring for loved ones, or maintaining healthy habits. But this is precisely the time when we need to ground ourselves and find balance—through inner work and self-care.

How I Stay Grounded: Tips That Help Me Find Stability

Here are some practices that help me stay rooted during turbulent times, and I hope they can serve as tools for you too:

1) Grounding into the Body – Reconnect with Physical Awareness

When my mind feels overwhelmed, I find that returning to the body is one of the best ways to regain stability. Engaging in physical practices not only helps me stay connected to my body but also prevents me from getting lost in a spiral of negative thoughts.

• Walking in Nature: Being outdoors, especially in nature, helps to quiet my mind. The sights, sounds, and even the smells of nature engage my senses and anchor me in the present moment. It’s a powerful grounding practice.

• Yin Yoga: Yin is a deeply nourishing, grounding yoga practice based mostly down on the mat. We hold poses longer in yin, really allowing the body to sink and release. I find yin to be the best type of yoga for me during periods of massive change.

• Exercise: Besides yoga, I’ve found that strength-building exercises, like Barre or weightlifting, are excellent for focusing my attention on the present. They require concentration to maintain proper form, and this focus keeps me grounded, both physically and mentally.

• Self-Care Rituals: Booking a massage or practicing self-massage with warming sesame oil helps relieve physical tension and calm the nervous system. This practice allows me to slow down, take care of myself, and ease the discomfort that arises from stress.

• Nourishing Meals: It’s easy to fall into mindless snacking when I’m feeling anxious or unsettled. But I’ve learned that eating well-balanced meals—rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber—helps me feel grounded. A healthy body supports a calm mind, and nourishing foods remind me that I am safe and secure.

2) Calming the Mind – Find Peace Within

The mind can often be the most chaotic part of ourselves during turbulent times. Calming practices are essential in restoring mental peace and finding clarity in the midst of stress.

• Spiritual Practices: Meditation, prayer, expressing gratitude, and journaling are some examples of spiritual practices that can help sustain us in challenging times. I particularly love the meditation app Insight Timer and often do guided meditation with Sarah Blondin. These meditations help me center my thoughts and reconnect with my inner self.

• Taking a News Break: Constantly checking the news can be exhausting and stress-inducing. I’ve found that taking a break from the constant flow of information, especially when it feels overwhelming, helps preserve my peace of mind. Swap your nightly news for a heartwarming or thrilling book to take your mind out of your present circumstance.

• Warm Baths: One of my favorite ways to unwind is with a warm bath before bed. The heat draws blood to the skin's surface, helping to cool the body and prepare for sleep. Adding Epsom salts (which are rich in magnesium) further enhances relaxation and calms my nervous system, ensuring a peaceful night’s rest.

  
  

3) Getting Happy – Find Joy in the Little Things

When everything around us seems uncertain, it can be easy to spiral into negativity. To counter this, I make a conscious effort to seek out moments of joy.

• Feel-Good TV Shows/Movies: Laughter is a great stress reliever, and sometimes we need a break from heavy thoughts. Shows like Ted Lasso, Parks and Rec, Ted Lasso, and The Good Place provide a lighthearted escape and a reminder that positivity and connection can prevail, even in tough situations.

• Schedule Something Fun: Whether it’s a comedy show, a concert, or a weekend getaway, planning something enjoyable gives me something to look forward to. A "staycation" where I focus only on my favorite activities can be a simple yet powerful way to re-energize.

• Spend Time with Friends and Loved Ones: Hanging out with people who understand what you are going through and who appreciate you for you will be nourishing for the soul and spirit. When you are with people who love you, you can feel safe to be yourself.

• Inspirational Sayings: Whenever I’m feeling down, I remind myself of uplifting sayings like, “This too shall pass,” “All things must end,” “You are stronger than you think,” and “If you’re going through hell, keep on going.” These reminders help me keep perspective. Difficult times, no matter how intense, will eventually give way to better days.

The Core of Who We Are Remains

No matter what external circumstances we face, one truth remains: our core self remains unshaken. Everything changes, and while the journey through those changes can be difficult, it’s important to remember that change is a natural part of life. What remains constant is the core of who we are—the part of us that is resilient, adaptable, and capable of finding peace, no matter the storm.

• As we navigate these turbulent times, let’s remember to be kind to ourselves. We may not have control over the challenges we face, but we always have control over how we respond. By staying grounded, focusing on what we can control, and practicing self-care, we can weather any storm with grace and strength.