Reclaiming Balance: Wellness in Unusual Times

We live in confusing times —when the familiar methods of stress relief often feel worn thin, and the stressors themselves more surreal or soul-deep than ever. Remember, we all miss the mark sometimes – it’s a strength to acknowledge and grow from those times we don’t quite ‘measure up’. While the standard advice—exercise, eat well, get sleep, meditate—remains valid, it’s also true that our stress today is layered, more psychological and existential in nature.

We’re not just tired. We’re pulled.

Pulled by news headlines and media that monetize urgency and fear. Pulled by people around us—some of whom, under their own pressure, may invent blame or vent cynicism to cope. Pulled by the subtle erosion of optimism, connection, and our sense of steadiness in a fast-changing world.

What We Often Overlook:

Stress management isn’t just about calming down—it’s about recovering your inner clarity, restoring your own integrity of perception, and returning to yourself when the world seems to scatter your focus.

Here are uncommon yet essential wellness strategies to help restore your balance:

1. Curate Your Inputs

Just like food, what you consume mentally affects your inner state.
Ask yourself:

· What headlines am I letting in?

· What energy do I absorb from those around me?

· What am I believing about myself or the world that wasn’t true last month?

Let your peace become sacred. Take media breaks. Be present to the present.

2. Practice “Internal Hygiene”

Letting go of resentment, comparison, or blame—especially self-blame—is a deep form of stress release. This doesn’t mean ignoring injustice or pain, but creating space between reaction and reflection.
Try:

· Brief daily journaling (“What do I need to let go of?”)

· Naming fears instead of acting from them

· Noticing your tone—not just your words—in thought and speech

3. Rebuild Your Inner Structure

Instead of only asking “How can I feel better?”, consider:

· “What kind of person am I becoming through this?”

· “How do I keep my self-respect when others lose theirs?”

· “What does resilient compassion look like for me right now?”

Your character is your greatest stress buffer—not pride, but grounded worth.

4. Choose Meaning Over Management

Sometimes, the goal isn’t to control stress, but to transform how we relate to it. Purposeful stress—caring for someone, creating something, standing for a value—feeds us even when it stretches us.
Try reconnecting with:

· Something you create with your hands

· A book or film that reminds you who you are

· Silence—even just 3 minutes a day without input

5. Nourish the Nervous System

Functional wellness practices that help restore baseline calm include:

· Vagus nerve stimulation

· Breathwork techniques

· Red light therapy or PEMF for cellular reset

· Neurofeedback or biofield therapies to help the brain reorganize itself under pressure

· Adaptogens (ashwagandha, rhodiola, holy basil) to help your system adapt rather than react.

Your health journey isn’t just about managing stress—it's about building a life that is resilient to it. The path to lasting vitality in chaotic times isn't found in a single solution, but in the small, daily commitments we make to our inner and outer worlds. This is the core of functional wellness: a path of conscious living that empowers you to not just endure, but to genuinely thrive.

We are here to support you.

Warmly,

Your Team at The Center for Intentional Health