In the mean time let me share some ideas for right now….
Recent events have made a climate of uncertainty around us. We don’t really know how things will play out exactly. This is a ripe condition for catastrophizing thoughts and the body shaking fears they bring.
We see how fear and the need for a feeling of safety or security can make people panic and lose all logic. Empty shelves in a grocery store trigger fear and hoarding in shoppers for example.
-fear of scarcity
-fear of missing out
–fear of contamination
How did your body react when you saw the empty shelves? What were your automatic thoughts?
In that fear state our bodies often respond by activating the fight or flight processes of the autonomic nervous system. That fight urge tells us to take control in some way.
The financial and economic impact is a big concern for every client I have spoken to lately. I am hearing worry about income and job loss.
Mindfulness is needed now more than ever. It is very easy to get lost in predicting negative scenarios of the future. The place of peace is in the present tense and with your mindful presence. My colleague described mindfulness in this distilled form:
Show up – Pay attention
– On purpose – Without judgement
– Think – Choose –
Repeat
That is all you need to do.
And here are my best tips for getting through this.
Breathe……..As you know this is your lifeline. At times during the day, return your attention to where your breathing is at.
*I breathe in I know I am breathing in
I breathe out I know I am breathing out
In times when you notice the stress has built up in your body, or when anxiety in what ever form hits you:
*3 long deep slow breathes with counting.
Do
Doing something is distracting. Having something to do with your hands helps to bring focus to the present tense. It gives something to take hold of and gain a sense of control.
Hobbies, yoga, baking, knitting, carpentry, indoor gardening, housework, cleaning, making things, playing an instrument, drawing….these are examples of doing.
Connect with the natural world
Spring is here! The robins are out. The tulips are coming up. If you can safely go for a walk keeping distance, this can be a time to consciously find connection with nature. This also helps your physical and mental health.
Stay Connected with others
We all need to practice social distancing now but not social isolation. Our connection to others is is vital for our health and well being. Being connected helps generate a sense of safety. Connecting with neighbours, co workers, community members helps others feel safe and ready to work together.
We can call, video chat, email, and reach out in whatever means there are. Wave at your neighbours. Bonding and social connection can easily take place remotely.
Compassion for self and others
Love is stronger than fear. When we express compassion or gratitude, anxiety is reduced. The compassion is for your self, for the emotions and suffering of what you are going through.
We all should have compassion also for others as they suffer and struggle. Put your focus on helping a vulnerable person or organization. This is a ticket out of fear.
To be in a state of compassion or in a state of fear is a choice you have at every moment. This chapter of our lives more than ever brings that choice to the forefront.
Be Hopeful
This is a troubled time for the world but is it also an awakening? I look at how people all over the world are cooperating to protect the most vulnerable. That gives me hope. Where do you find hope? There is always the light counterpart to the darkness. Take it from someone who has heard a lot of dark stories. This too shall pass.
take care of yourselves and each other,
Jennifer
