Anchors For Uncertain Times

For those of you living in Israel…

Or,  if you know someone in Israel that you care about, feel free to pass this along.

I am thinking about you and hoping that you and your family are safe.

These are challenging times, and I wanted to reach out with some important reminders.

1.⁠ ⁠Routine - even during these uncertain times, do your best to create some semblance of a routine - get outside, move your body, eat meals at regular times, drink your water. When so much is out of our control, creating a (fluid) routine, will help anchor you.

2.⁠ ⁠Sleep - do your best to get the rest that you need. That may mean sleeping in the Mamad and turning off your phone, or it may require some mid-afternoon napping. Rest is important to keep your energy up, especially when sleep is interrupted night after night.

3.⁠ ⁠Nourish your body - while some of us emotionally eat during these stressful times (you are not alone if this is you), focus on protein and veggies and consider other comforting foods that won’t spike your blood sugar levels. When you fuel your body properly, your mood is more stable and your resilience increases. Remember my colleague Lily’s Hot Chocolate - 1 tsp of cocoa, sweetened with some stevia and some milk. If you like salty then maybe air fry some sweet potatoes. Think of a healthier version of a comforting food and get the junk out of the house - especially now!

4.⁠ ⁠Calm your nervous system in whatever way works for you - I love tapping (check out some tutorials online), but you can also do deep breathing, jumping, shaking your body or anything that works. Even putting your hands on your heart and saying “I am safe” can do wonders.

5.⁠ ⁠Get off your phone - yes we want to know what is happening, but being on your phone all day is not good for your mental health. Pick up a good book or listen to music to calm your nerves. Check in and then put it down! Limit the number of times you check the news.

We are about to celebrate the holiday of Purim - the most joyous of holidays. You may not feel like joyous right now. Rabbi Robinson of LSS suggested that if you are not “feeling the joy,” then borrow joy from the future. Imagine yourself after this war is over, when things are calmer and our soldiers are home. Borrow that joy so that you might feel it here and now during this special holiday.

I am currently in NYC, unable to return home yet to my family, but sending you so much love from afar.

Praying for peace, the eradication of evil in this world and true simcha on this Purim!