Because of a lack of social interaction or outdoor time and economic stressors can really leave people feeling mentally and emotionally spent.
While everyone’s circumstances vary and people are experiencing this global pandemic in different ways, many have found relief using similar approaches. Here’s what many have discussed as to go about how they’re holding up and what has helped them stay positive.
Being Mindful
Mindfulness comes in so many forms: meditation, self-affirmations, breathing techniques and writing in a diary, to name a few. Many readers have found these practices helpful in shaping a more positive mindset. One of the most popular suggestions was to practice gratitude, focusing on the small, pleasant moments each day brings, as well as larger things like family and community.
Speaking with several clients, as well as therapists and doctors they’ve all suggested writing down three things you are grateful for every day, however small they might seem.
“Also, try to write down worries and stresses as they come to mind during the day. Revisit the list at the end of the day and for those worries that are still hanging around, ask yourself 'Can I fix this?' If the answer is no, try to let it go. If yes, start working on an action plan to fix it.”
More people having anxiety attacks have to master the art of breathing. It seems complicated but it’s really not. Staying sane is pivotal to every factor in your life. It keeps you well rounded, calm and out of the drama. Writing down things you feel grateful for can help bring you down to earth. If you decide to jot it all down, go for it. A diary that’s private will always be a venue to get your emotions out.
Grow
Planting seeds- many people, myself included, had started planting fruit and vegetables. Some for the first time. Those that began planting seeds when lockdown began are now ‘thrilled’ to see new shoots. My client Paulette told me - “I now have them growing at various stages including courgette, aubergine, spring onions, shallots, garlic, tomatoes, green beans and strawberries. I have never done this before and I am ever so slightly excited each day when more shoots appear.” She’s having fun and enjoying something that is peaceful and healthy!
Every time I’ve planted anything and it lived to tell the tale of growing, I felt a sense of empowerment and gratitude. I learned to can many years ago so I went and did that. I visited local produce places when I couldn’t or didn’t grow what I wanted to preserve. It gave me purpose.
Exercise
Yippee! (Lol)
Its good for my dogs as well as myself to walk each day before work or when I was coming home from my obligations. I was able to help myself deflate and they always need the stimulation. It keeps your mind and body going.
Volunteer
It‘s always a good thing to help out when you can. There are plenty of people and organizations who need help year round. Chose one and offer your time. It could be an hour but that hour means the world to someone else. It also gets you out of your own head.
Silliness
Laughing is not over rated. Watch a silly movie if you can. Read something that is light hearted, have a conversation that is goofy with a friend. Turn off the news. It’s propoganda.
Stay off social media more often then not. I use social media to interact with my group often, to inspire and help others. I will run fundraisers and other important things.
Social Media has become so overwhelmingly censored and negative. Everyone is arguing.
It aggravated me to the point that I had to detach now and then. It’s healthy.
The virus will go away, it will taper off. There are many positive but shocking things you’ll begin to see that will help us get past this mess. Keep going. Don’t bother to argue with people that don’t share your belief. Bless them and be on your way. You can agree to disagree. The problem is others may not share that belief. Let it go.
Relax - Exercises
Use these to your benefit
While you do deep breathing, use a picture in your mind and a word or phrase to help you feel more relaxed.
Close your eyes if they're open.
Take a few big, deep breaths.
Breathe in. As you do that, imagine that the air is filled with a sense of peace and calm. Try to feel it throughout your body.
Breathe out. While you're doing it, imagine that the air leaves with your stress and tension.
Now use a word or phrase with your breath. As you breathe in, say in your mind, "I breathe in peace and calm."
As you breathe out, say in your mind, "I breathe out stress and tension."
Continue for 10 to 20 minutes.
Sounds silly? It works just keep doing it.
With Love,
Michelle
