Over the next few weeks, we will all be faced with uncertainty and this can create intense emotion and survival mentality leading to conflict, misunderstanding and short tempers. I urge you to practice empathy and compassion during this pandemic. This nature of this virus spreading so quickly and rapidly from continent to continent is a reminder that we are all interconnected. We are all doing our best, trying to protect our livelihoods, families and friends. Before judging, acting out or criticizing remember we are all in this together, and we will get through this together so in the meantime be kind.
Here is a list of tips to stay healthy and centered during challenging times.
- Meditate-or take quiet time to reflect-only 5 minutes a day is proven to help center us and create a healthier brain. If you want to find a guided meditation YouTube is a wonderful resource amongst other tools such as Calm or Insight Timer apps.
- Treat others as you wish to be treated-practicing the Golden Rule never goes out of style, and honestly in these trying times goes a very long way. Would you treat your sister, mother, dad or child the way you just treated that stranger at the grocery store? If the answer is no you need to try a little harder to be kind!
- Get outside-we may be limiting our contact with other (the words social distancing will never be the same!) but we can still go into our backyard or take a bike ride in the neighborhood. Fresh air and sun are healthy and can reset our mindset to a more positive perspective.
- Call a friend or family member-again our in person social contact maybe limited for now, but we have technology at our fingertips. Take this time to use it to actually connect with those friends and family you so often play phone tag with, maybe even connect via FaceTime!
- Self-Care and Nourishment-take that bath, apply that face mask, get on your yoga mat in the living room and stretch it out. Maybe go a little crazy and do an at home couples massage! Also, this is an important time to fuel your body with nutrient dense foods to keep your immune system working it’s best and healthy home cooked food is the best option.
- Disconnect from Tech-this maybe the single best thing you can do for yourself during these trying times! When we have the TV on or log into any social media accounts, we will be inundated with fear based opinions and non-stop reports that will add fuel to our already stressed fire. Turn.it.off! Log out and surround yourself with good vibes! (Read a book, play a board game, break out the domino set or jigsaw puzzle)
