ChooseFI Podcast Show Notes

Episode Summary

Anxiety and uncertainty during unprecedented times are common feelings that many are experiencing. Brad and Jonathan Mendonsa explore the importance of acknowledging these emotions rather than suppressing them. They highlight the challenges of maintaining a positive mindset and poor habits while coping with isolation. Jonathan shares personal anecdotes, emphasizing the need to develop healthy routines, particularly in the mornings and evenings, to improve one's mental state. Additionally, he introduces an 'information consumption protocol' to help listeners manage anxiety driven by overwhelming news cycles and social media. This conversation serves as a reminder that while it's natural to feel anxious, cultivating resilience and understanding one's emotions is integral to navigating this turbulent period effectively.

Key Topics and Insights

00:00:00 Podcast Intro

• Hosts: Brad Barrett and Jonathan Mendonsa.
• Overview of feelings during uncertain times and the importance of addressing anxiety.

00:02:29 Jonathan Mendonsa's Introduction

• Jonathan emphasizes allowing oneself to feel various emotions during these times.

00:05:15 Challenges Faced During Uncertain Times

• Three Main Challenges:
  • Maintaining a positive mindset amidst negative news.
  • Developing poor habits while at home.
  • Feelings of isolation or suffocation.

00:08:37 Positive Mindset Discussion

• It's natural to experience contrasting emotions, such as feeling blessed and anxious simultaneously.

00:11:27 Ways to Fortify Your Inner Foundation

• Embrace the transition and accept feelings to build resilience.

00:18:57 Information Consumption Protocol

• Recommendations for selective information consumption to prevent anxiety.
• Takeaway: Limit news consumption to two to three times a day.

00:36:13 Routines and Habits

• Importance of establishing morning and evening routines as foundational practices for mental health.
• Actionable Advice:
  • Develop a morning routine free from phone usage for the first hour.
  • Start the evening routine to wind down mentally and physically.

Key Quotes

• "Change yourself when you can't change the situation." 00:10:00
• "It's okay to experience contrasting emotions simultaneously." 00:07:13
• "Accept the difficult journey as you adjust to change." 00:11:27
• "Be deliberate with the information you ingest." 00:18:57
• "Your day starts and ends with routines that shape your mindset." 00:36:13

Actionable Takeaways

• Create a morning routine that excludes checking your phone for the first hour. 00:20:53
• Limit news consumption to two or three times a day. 00:23:30
• Engage in breathwork to reduce anxiety. 00:38:19

Related Resources

• The Great Man Within Podcast: Visit Here

FAQs

• What are the common feelings people are experiencing during uncertain times?

  • Anxiety, uncertainty, and feelings of isolation are prevalent. 00:05:15

• How can I maintain a positive mindset?

  • Acknowledge your feelings and embrace the ups and downs of emotions. 00:08:37

• What is the significance of morning and evening routines?

  • They help set the tone for your day and promote better sleep and mental health. 00:36:13

• Why is it important to have an information consumption protocol?

  • It helps manage anxiety by filtering out overwhelming and unnecessary information. 00:18:57

Discussion Questions

• How can we better recognize and accept our emotions during tough times? 00:07:13
• What strategies can we adopt to maintain a positive mindset? 00:08:37
• How does your information consumption affect your mental health? 00:19:15

Podcast Description

Join Brad and Jonathan Mendonsa as they explore effective strategies for managing anxiety and building emotional resilience during challenging times. Discover how to foster a positive mindset, develop healthy routines, and filter the information you consume for improved mental health.

00:10:00 Podcast Extro

• "You've been listening to ChooseFI Podcast, where we help middle-class America build wealth one life hack at a time."

Email Campaigns

• Segment: Acknowledge feelings of anxiety and work on developing a morning routine to cope.
• Segment: Learn about the information consumption plan to reduce anxiety while staying informed.

Managing Anxiety and Building Emotional Resilience

Understanding the Current Landscape

In today's world, feelings of anxiety and uncertainty have become alarmingly common. It's important to acknowledge that these emotions are normal responses to unprecedented events. Accepting how you feel is vital to managing your emotional health. Be honest with yourself about your experiences and recognize that feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or even blessed amid turmoil is perfectly okay. Embracing the full range of your emotions is a healthy first step towards emotional resilience.

Embracing Contradictory Emotions

It's crucial to understand that you can hold multiple feelings simultaneously. You may feel anxious about today’s realities while also appreciating time spent with your family. Acknowledging these contradictions allows you to recognize that emotional experiences are complex and nuanced. Instead of forcing yourself to choose one feeling, give yourself permission to experience them all.

Developing a Positive Mindset

Maintaining a positive mindset during challenging times requires effort. It’s unrealistic to expect positivity at all times, so it may be more beneficial to focus on moments of gratitude and recognition of progress. Surround yourself with positive influences, whether through uplifting podcasts, literature, or supportive conversations.

Actionable Tip: Daily Gratitude Practice

Take a moment each day to identify three things you are grateful for. This simple practice can shift your focus away from negative thoughts, slowly fostering a more positive outlook.

Fortifying Your Inner Foundation

To navigate uncertainty successfully, consider four strategies to enhance your inner resilience:

1. Embrace the Transition

Accept the upheaval and discomfort that comes with change. Recognizing that adapting to new norms is a journey can make the experience less daunting. Understand that it’s normal to feel out of sorts during transitions and give yourself grace as you adjust.

2. Develop an Information Consumption Protocol

Information overload can significantly elevate anxiety levels. Limiting how and when you consume news is crucial.

Key Recommendations:

• First Hour Free: Start your day without checking your phone or news; allocate the first hour to meditation, journaling, or breathwork.
• Trusted Sources Only: Select a few credible news sources and avoid sensationalist content.
• Set Limits: Check updates two to three times daily rather than continuously refreshing news feeds.

Creating Healthy Routines

The structure of your day can greatly impact your mental health. Establishing morning and evening routines can serve as effective bookends for your day.

Morning Routine

Kickstart your day positively. Avoid distractions like social media and news in the first hour. Instead:

• Practice mindfulness through meditation or breathwork.
• Journal your thoughts to clear your mind.
• Engage in physical activity to energize your body.

Evening Routine

Wind down effectively to prepare your mind for rest:

• Create a tech-free zone in your bedroom to minimize distractions.
• Read a fiction book or listen to calming music as part of your bedtime ritual.
• Aim for consistent sleep schedules to improve overall well-being.

Breathing and Mindfulness Techniques

Incorporating breathwork into your routine can be a game-changer for managing anxiety. Techniques like those taught by Wim Hof can help reduce stress and enhance emotional stability. Just a few minutes of focused breathing can make a significant difference in your daily mental health.

Reassessing Your Habits

Reflect on your current habits and consider whether they serve your well-being. Are you stuck in old routines that no longer support your goals? Now is an excellent opportunity to reassess and adapt.

Action Item: Identify and Change Poor Habits

List the habits that no longer benefit you and brainstorm healthier alternatives. This could involve reducing screen time or finding new hobbies that engage you creatively.

Connecting with Others

While many feel isolated, it's essential to maintain connections with friends and family. Schedule regular check-ins, whether through phone calls or video chats, to foster a sense of community and support.

Conclusion

In these challenging times, managing anxiety and building emotional resilience is not only possible; it’s necessary. Embrace your feelings, develop an information consumption protocol, and establish routines that ground you. By taking active steps towards self-improvement, you are investing in your emotional well-being and resilience. Remember, it's okay to ask for help, and you don't have to navigate this journey alone.

By implementing these strategies, you can emerge stronger and more prepared for whatever comes next. Start today—your mental health is worth it.