10 ways to keep your mind balanced during the Coronavirus pandemic
Hello there,
If you are like me, you might feel out of balance with all that is happening in our world with the Coronavirus pandemic. I've gathered some ideas for creating balance in this time. These are things that work for me, and I welcome any ideas that are working for you, too.
Stay on a regular schedule. I'm not just talking about work. I mean showering, eating, cleaning, exercising, etc. I also made a schedule for our kids to follow. I hope this helps us feel a little more anchored.
Use the 5-4-3-2-1 method that Elizabeth Gilbert shared: "Stop whatever you are doing, whereever you are doing it, and look around where you are. Take note of five things that you can see, four things that you can hear, three things that you can feel, two things that you can smell, and one thing that you can taste. Taking a few minutes to do this a few times a day will quite literally return you to your senses. As somebody who is a lifelong expert on future-tripping and catastrophizing, this practice really works (for me, at least) to settle the nervous system and bring me back into the only reality that is confirmable: The one that is happening right now. And this moment right now is usually just fine. Or at the very least, this moment is usually a lot less traumatizing than the scary movie that is running in my imagination about the future".
Take a walk outside at least one time each day. It can be a short walk, or a long walk; a slow or a fast walk. It makes no matter. Just the walking outside will boost your mood.
Make a list of things you are grateful for. The mind sometimes wants to dwell on scary things, but if we push ourselves to focus on the positive, that helps keep a good balanced outlook.
Take a yoga class online. Inner Bliss Yoga Studio is offering donation based classes on Facebook live this week. More details are on their website. You can also google “yoga class online” for more ideas.
Think of someone you can offer kind thoughts to, and then do it.
Take a long, deep breath in. Fill your lungs all the way up. When they are full, hold your breath for 4 seconds, then release your breath slowly. Repeat this for five minutes. Set a timer.
Drink a full glass of water.
Sit on the floor and give yourself a small foot massage. You don't have to be an expert, just rub your feet and enjoy the feeling of a free massage.
Play an upbeat song, and sing along if you know the words :)
"And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy." ~Max Ehrmann, 1927
Art by the very talented https://www.instagram.com/tallienatt/
