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I haven’t had a drink in six years, and yet, these past two weeks, I’ve wanted to drink, badly.

The current climate in this world, on top of daylight savings, the election, and Pluto’s final weeks in Capricorn has made this long past desire to escape uncomfortably potent. In order to abstain, I have leaned heavily on these strategies; the non-negotiables that keep me sane and centered. These practices are ones that I used in the early days and they still hold me today.

Nature. Go outside. Sit in the sun. Listen to the sounds around you. Move, breathe, and allow yourself to be present. Being outdoors allows thoughts to settle, as we tap into the sensual experience of nature, which calms our nervous systems. I often find myself immersed in the scene—watching the trees sway, the birds fly, or listening to the prairie dogs squeal and salute the sun. Any amount of time in nature is healing.

Walk. I walk every day. Or shall I say, Mowgli, my dog, takes me for a walk every day. No matter what, Mowgli nudges me and reminds me that moving my body is a non-negotiable, and every time we go, I feel better. Any distance is beneficial, especially around the witching hours of 3-5 p.m. With the frenetic energy that is our lives, we become disconnected from our body. When we tune into our physical experience, our bodies provide us with so much intelligence and information. Moving not only releases endorphins, but improves the immune system, reduces inflammation, and keeps you fit.

Write. I have found this to be the most therapeutic task of my day, even before I knew writing was a love of mine. I started to write morning pages after reading The Artist Way. I dedicate 10-20 minutes to writing a stream of consciousness—whatever comes to mind. It allows me to sit with those hard to face issues. It provides a safe place to write my disappointments and failures, as well as my joys and dreams. I now write for much longer, but this simple practice was, and still is, a cornerstone of my healing.

Cold Plunge. Talk about resilience! This practice of plunging into cold water (30-50 degrees) has become non-negotiable, as the effects to the nervous system are immediate and long lasting. I understand the hesitation, as I cried the first time I attempted it. But after submerging in the cold water for 3 minutes, I feel free and alive. I feel strong and empowered. This practice helps me to see when my mental states are discoloring my experiences, which is almost always. We can endure much more than we believe we can! Cold plunging has been the most potent medicine for healing my anxiety. It also boosts the immune system, supports muscle recovery, and is a great way to meet like minded people who care about wellness. Cold showers work too—a great boost to your morning!

Ketamine. Didn’t expect this one? I am not completely sober, as I use different substances to alleviate mental health imbalances that I have struggled with my whole life, mostly depression and anxiety. I have tried many different pharmaceuticals, as well as plant medicines, and nothing has transformed my way of thinking like microdosing ketamine. There is a way in which the chemical allows me to see events in my life from a distance (hence being a dissociative) and gain a clearer view without the emotional turmoil derailing me into a black hole of sadness.

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A teacher once said to me, “Take care of your body and your body will take care of you.” This includes managing our thoughts and finding tools to alleviate the mental cages we often find ourselves in. This, to me, is a privilege and a responsibility, one that keeps me away from destructive habits such as drinking. It’s essential for me to prioritize these non-negotiables in order to feel sane and functional. When I am focused on supporting my mental wellness, the pull to escape and choose unhealthy patterns is less appealing.

What works for you? What practices keep you centered when the world around you feels like it’s crumbling?
~