We are living in turbulent and uncertain times. Anyone who keeps up to date with current world events is increasingly confronted with sad and frightening news. People are suffering – all over the world. The earth is suffering. Stress is constantly increasing, both among young and older people. More and more people are seeking psychological help – sometimes in vain because there are not enough places for therapy.

When I read all this, I realise how heavy my heart feels. But does that mean I have to feel bad?

No. I decide what burdens me and what gives me energy and peace. I empathise, yes. Showing compassion is important, but it is just as important to consciously shape your own life and take good care of yourself. Because only when I am well myself can I give others strength.

My techniques for more serenity

Wondering how to do this? I’m happy to share my techniques with you. I didn’t invent them myself – these techniques come from stress management and coaching. They help me.

Maybe they’ll help you too. This is how you strengthen yourself and your environment.

– Pause and reflect: What can you actively change? What is out of your control? Getting upset about things that you can’t influence yourself serves no one. It only drains your energy, which you would be better off investing in yourself.

– Accept: Acceptance does not mean approving of something. Acceptance means recognising reality as it is. Change begins where your room for manoeuvre is.

– Take responsibility for your mood: Think about what activities are good for you – exercise, a massage, a good conversation or pursuing one of your hobbies? It is important that these are things that you have already tried and that have been proven to help you.

– Practising mindfulness: Try to consciously remain fully present while carrying out an activity. For me, this means that I perceive with all my senses and don’t let my mind wander.

– Perceive positive things: At the end of each day, write down in a nice notebook all the events that you experienced as pleasant and enjoyable. Even small moments that put a smile on your face for a brief moment count.

– Feel joy: Consciously revisit enjoyable experiences and feel in your body where this joy manifests itself. Consciously recognising this feeling gives inner peace.

Why all this?

These small but powerful routines help me to maintain hope and composure even in difficult times. They remind me that, despite everything, there is still beauty – in my life and in the world.

I hope that you can also discover these moments of peace and joy for yourself. Because you deserve it. Me too.

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