Finding Calm in Uncertain Times (Yes, It’s Possible!)
Let’s be real—these days, the world can feel like a bit of a rollercoaster… and not the fun kind where you scream and laugh and get off feeling exhilarated.
More like the kind where you’re gripping the safety bar, wondering when you signed up for this ride, and hoping you don’t lose your lunch along the way.
From the political drama of upcoming elections to the heart-wrenching news from the Middle East and even the increasingly erratic weather, there’s no shortage of reasons to feel a bit anxious.
Maybe it’s the state of the world, or maybe it’s just that sense of “What’s next?” that keeps us all on edge.
I get it. Right now, I’m personally gearing up for my own anxiety-inducing milestone: waiting for the results of an upcoming PET scan. For those of you who don’t know, my cancer has decided to make an encore appearance. (I did not buy tickets for this show!)
While I wait, the anxiety sometimes sneaks in like an unwanted houseguest. You know the type—one that comes unannounced, eats all your snacks, and makes you question every decision you’ve ever made.
So, what’s the game plan? How do we deal with the discomfort of not knowing what the future holds?
Well, one of my go-to strategies has been Transcendental Meditation. You might have heard about it, or maybe you’ve seen a celeb raving about it, but here’s the scoop: Transcendental Meditation is a simple, effortless technique that involves sitting quietly for 20 minutes twice a day, repeating a mantra, and letting your mind settle into a state of deep relaxation. It’s like a mini-vacation for your brain… without the airport stress and overpriced piña coladas.
But Transcendental Meditation isn’t just about zoning out for a bit. It has real, science-backed benefits for the brain and body. Here’s what it can do:
1. Calms the Nervous System:
Transcendental Meditation helps to reduce the production of stress hormones like cortisol, bringing your nervous system back into a calm and balanced state. This means less of that “fight-or-flight” feeling that can leave us feeling drained and frazzled.
2. Boosts Brain Function:
Studies show that regular practice of Transcendental Meditation increases alpha brain waves, which are associated with a relaxed, yet alert state of mind. This helps improve focus, memory, and overall cognitive function—so you can think clearly without those anxiety-induced brain fog moments.
3. Promotes Overall Health:
Transcendental Meditation has been linked to lower blood pressure, improved heart health, and even enhanced immunity. It’s like giving your body a big, warm hug and saying, “It’s okay, we’ve got this.”
4. Deepens Emotional Resilience:
By transcending daily, you're training your brain to handle stress better. Over time, you'll react less to external triggers, allowing you to respond from a place of calm and clarity, rather than anxiety or overwhelm.
So, while I can’t control the results of my PET scan, the weather, or the next political meme-fest, I can control how I approach these stressors internally. And let me tell you, being able to press pause on the constant worry-loop is a game-changer.
If you’re finding that your anxiety is getting the best of you right now, I encourage you to explore Transcendental Meditation as a supplementary tool to the therapy you’re already receiving. Think of it as adding another sturdy tool to your anxiety-handling toolkit.
If you’d like to learn more about how Transcendental Meditation might help you manage stress, Book a free 30-minute intro call with Virya. Vīrya specializes in teaching transcending meditation using real-time neurofeedback. Using a portable EEG device paired with their app, you can effortlessly learn how to calm your mind and access a state of deep stillness.
None of us should have to face the uncertainty of life without a few good coping strategies (and maybe a little humor) in our back pocket.
