4 Practices To Create Calm During The Coronavirus Pandemic

4 Practices To Create Calm During The Coronavirus Pandemic

We are being forced to hit the “pause” button as the unprecedented Coronavirus pandemic is unfolding. The situation is inconvenient, and it is scary. Uncertainty about finances and health is causing stress levels to rise. In the long run, the unknown can take a toll on our health and emotional wellbeing exactly when we need our immune systems the most.

What can we do during such uncertain times to help us better maneuver the major life interruptions and changes, the fear of the unknown, and the disconnection from others?  In other words, are you feeling confused, anxious, helpless, or just plain stuck and don’t know what to do?

Utilize these four practices to help settle your mind, calm your body, and find a little present moment awareness and peace during this Coronavirus pandemic.

Mindfulness is a way of relating to yourself and the world around you.

Mindfulness

What exactly does it mean to be mindful, and how will this practice help you amidst a Coronavirus pandemic? Mindfulness is a way of relating to yourself and the world around you.

Through mindfulness, you can tap into your own natural resources to reduce stress anytime and anywhere. For example, it is as simple as learning to focus your attention, and the result can be life changing. Many studies have shown the benefits of mindfulness to include a decrease in anxiety, irritability, stress, and depression.

Mindfulness can dramatically reduce pain and the emotional response to pain. It can help working memory, creativity, attention span, and mental and physical stamina. It may even reduce aging at the cellular level.

Through mindfulness, you can tap into your own natural resources to reduce stress anytime and anywhere.

The list of potential and proven benefits is vast. How to start on this life-changing journey of being present? Mindfulness is about observing without criticizing while finding compassion for you. But how do we do this in our busy, hectic lives? Here are three ways to incorporate mindfulness into your life:

Observe

We spend most days going through the motions of life without a great deal of awareness, particularly when it comes to repetitious tasks. Mindful observation is simply taking occasional moments throughout the day to cultivate awareness.

Appreciate

Take some time to appreciate the things in life that we take for granted. It can help us to open both heart and mind to all life offers.

You might make a commitment to notice six things that usually go unappreciated in your life. Pick anything; people, things, pets, or activities, and mentally make an appreciation for their part in your life story.

Breathe

Take time each day to bring your awareness to the physical sensation of your breath.  The rise and fall of your belly and chest. The air moving through nose and mouth. You can do this standing or sitting and just about anywhere and anytime.

Learn more about mindfulness here.

Meditation

The purpose of meditation is to calm the mind and develop inner peace. One form of meditation is to practice mindful breathing. We can use breathing meditations alone or as a preliminary practice to meditation. Stop distractions and allow space for your mind to be clearer and more present by practicing a simple breathing meditation.

Find a quiet place if possible, and sit in a comfortable position, whether it’s in a traditional cross-legged posture or any other comfortable position, including sitting in a chair.

Next, begin to draw your awareness to your breath. You might say silently or softly to yourself, “breathing in” on the in-breath, and then “breathing out” on the out-breath. Practice for 1-5 minutes several times a day.

Here is a video link to a simple breathing practice to help you get started.

Practice several times a day to help bring your mind back to the present moment: the only place where peace and serenity can truly be found.

Movement

There are so many benefits to moving your body! The flow of energy through your body results in an enhanced mood and a healthier lymphatic system. Which also creates a more robust immune system and healthier bones. The important thing is to get your whole body moving regularly. Whether you chose to take a stroll, dance, garden, stretch, or practice yoga, keep moving!

Here is a free short yoga flow that you can practice anytime to keep the energy moving through your body while releasing pent up stress.

Meaningful Engagement

Meaningful engagement can take many different forms. At its core, it’s defined as making each interaction count. Communicating with intention is important, especially with the elderly, which may be particularly affected and isolated over the next months as we strive to slow the spread of the coronavirus.  Set a time to check in daily, prepare to listen, and hold space for the person on the other end.

Communicating with intention is important, especially with the elderly, which may be particularly affected and isolated over the next months as we strive to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Remember, just because they aren’t asking for help doesn’t mean they don’t need a kind word, encouragement, and a reminder that they are not alone. The same applies to younger students and adults who may be isolated away from family.

This can be a time of heightened anxiety for everyone. Especially for those who already suffer from anxiety.  Staying connected purposefully can help alleviate feelings of isolation and fear during this Coronavirus pandemic.

As we maneuver this uncharted territory together, may global empathy and compassion rise for all, as we are all one.

Maybe we can share our hand sanitizer with our neighbor. Make a meaningful connection by calling someone we know who is alone during this uncertain time. We can take steps to proactively build our own immune systems and resiliency along the way.

As we maneuver this uncharted territory together, may global empathy and compassion rise for all, as we are all one.

Remember, YOU are not alone!

Bring Healthy Living with Hope into your home during this Coronavirus Pandemic and time of social distancing.  Visit my YouTube Channel for FREE yoga, meditation and breathing video content.

Reach out to me here for more support.

Namaste.

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