“This too shall pass…”

This phrase is used to clam and comfort those who are in times of uncertainty.  With us all learning the “new normal” of social distancing due to the outbreak of the Cornoa Virus (COVID-19), now is a great time to begin or enhance your self-care practice while on quarantine.

The mandate to social distance ourselves has slowed a lot of us down.  It’s almost like we are all in time out (or quit corner or cool down chair) as adults.  We can now say that this is truly the age of cancel culture.  Legitimately everything is cancelled.  During this time, we are not encouraged to gather for celebrations such as birthdays, weddings, worship experiences nor can we sit down to eat in a restaurant, shop at a mall or even work in some cases.  We are encouraged to stay home for 24 hours 7 days a week and for some of my readers WITH CHILDREN unless we need essential services.  Who would’ve ever thought we would be here?  I certainly didn’t, but now that we are here what will you do in this moment?

Will you spend it worrying about all of the things that are not in your control or will you spend it following the recommendations of the CDC by washing your hands and staying inside as much as possible?  Will you distract yourself with all of the news, social media and tv show/movie binge watching or will you take this time to truly slow down, reflect and go after those things you’ve always wanted to do, but never “had the time to do?”  

During this time, in order to keep anxiety at bay, I have found it helpful to practice the following self-care during my social distancing.

1. Limit My Consumption of the News.  This is a practice I have done for YEARS, but now more than ever I have to be mindful of what I consume.  I want to know enough to be informed, but not too much to become paranoid and anxious.  Remember, balance in everything.
2. Creating and Reciting Mantras.  I find mantras helpful because they help to put situations in perspective.  Mantras such as “this too shall pass” or “I can only control what I can control” or “this day is filled with new opportunities” or “just breathe” help to focus my mind on things that are good and worthy of my thoughts and energy.
3. Being Intentional About Taking Deep Breaths Throughout the Day.  So much stress and anxiety are present in the world and especially in times of uncertainty which can easily be stored in our bodies.  The art of taking deep breaths has been known to release stress and to help decrease anxiety.  Still yourself (close your  eyes if you want) and take a regular breath.  Now take a deep breath by inhaling in through your nose from your abdomen all the way up to your chest.  Hold this  breath and exhale it slowly.  Repeat for at least one minute (or more if needed).  Notice how your mind and body feel before and after.
4. Staying Active Mentally and Physically.  There are a number of challenges and exercise videos circulating around the internet with everyone practically in the house until further notice.  If you are working from home, consider working out on your lunch break or before or after work.  You now have more time since you aren’t commuting and only your beloved family members will be able to smell you after a lunch workout.  Also, consider getting a workout buddy.  You can challenge each other virtually and check in via phone, an app, video conferencing or social media to confirm you completed your workout for the day.  Make it fun!  Try to stimulate your mind for at least 30 minutes a day.  It can be an audiobook, a podcast, a physical book, a few articles or even a devotional.  Make the time to expand your mind and fill it with positivity. 
5. Prioritize Your Day.  Make time to write down 3-5 things you would like to accomplish for the day.  The day can get away from you very quickly while at home if you aren’t intentional about what you want to accomplish.
6. Journaling.  Journaling can also help with anxiety and stress because it allows you a safe space to release all of the thoughts and feelings that are in your head without judgement.  Journaling can help create space for you to organize your thoughts and feelings so you can think clearly.  If you need help getting started on some thins to write about, I would encourage you to ask yourself the following questions: 
   1. What am I learning about myself in this time?  
   2. What things do I need to address and improve on both now and for the future?
   3. How has this time changed my perspective or my values? 

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I am committed to make the best of my social distancing time.  Now is the time to focus on what is important to us and the things we value.  Get creative and stay connect because as with all things this too shall pass.

I would love to hear how you are practicing self-care and reducing stress and anxiety during this pandemic.  Feel free to let me know via email or through my socials.

Be well.  Stay well.

 

Sonya

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Create structure

Redefine/revise your schedule/the new normal