3 months in and 2020’s already done us dirty. These can feel like scary times. Whilst we fear for ourselves or our loved ones, we’re also practicing social distancing, which can leave us feeling isolated and anxious. Those with existing mental health problems are likely to be hard hit by the current social climate and even those who are usually pretty chipper might find ourselves struggling.
When negative circumstances arise, I try as best as possible to ‘reframe’ them – meaning I take a moment to pause and consider how I can look at them in a different way, a way that doesn’t cause me to feel panic or fear. I try to work out if I can uncover a positive from the situation or a lesson that can be learnt and applied in future. That’s not to say the situation is suddenly all sunshine & rainbows but it does keep me feeling better about life.
Whilst anxiety levels on social media & the news are clearly high, I’ve tried to view social distancing as an opportunity – a time where I can shut out some of the outside noise and reflect inward to take stock of how I’m feeling. A lot of us rush through life on a daily basis, rarely giving ourselves time to consider how we’re doing or what would feel good for us right now. This time spent alone gives us the opportunity to sit with ourselves and ask those deeper questions that we usually avoid.
Hopefully this blogpost will give you some ideas as to how you can slow down & attempt to find some peace in this tumultuous time.
1. Journal
Sometimes just sitting with your thoughts can be difficult. It can feel like you’re going around in circles with no progress being made. If anything, you might find that you get yourself even more worked up. Journalling is a great way of addressing the fears and feelings that are currently running through your mind. Getting them out on paper not only provides a kind of release but also often helps to uncover solutions. I’d really highly recommend journalling as a way to get to know yourself better, as well as a way to unburden some of the heavy feelings that you might be experiencing.
Suggested Post: 30 Days of Journalling Prompts for Self Discovery
2. Practice Gratitude
As part of your journalling routine, you might want to practice gratitude. You could start your day off by listing 3 things to feel grateful for – from the sun streaming in through your window, to the heart that’s pumping blood around your body. Try to really lean in and feel it. Alternatively, you could end your day with writing about the good things that happened. Maybe you got to spend quality time with your family, who are all healthy and well, or maybe you had a delicious dinner. Celebrate the little things about your day.
3. Consume Less Noise
Like I said, these are scary times and the uncertainty can make the online space feel frantic. It’s no wonder that by reading hoards of other people’s fears and thoughts, we too start feel anxious. Make a concerted effort to block some of the outside noise. Reduce your time spent on social media or watching the news. Stay informed but don’t overdo it. Unfollow or mute those who make you feel on edge and, if you’re feeling really bold, do a digital detox. Take this time to quiet external voices and focus on your internal one.
4. Get a Sweat On
Being cooped up inside means we’re moving our bodies a lot less. Not only is this important for our physical health, but also for our mental health. Make an effort to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Go for a walk or a run in the fresh air. Try an at home workout – there are plenty of free videos and resources online.
5. Try Yoga
Yoga is a great way of both moving your body and your mind. It incorporates movement, breath and connection in a way that makes you feel fully present. Whenever I do yoga, I’m always amazed at how little I pay attention to my body. I feel like I’m aware of my hands and feet for the first time all day and the process of fully feeling what it’s like to be in this moment is super calming. I’d highly recommend Yoga with Adriene’s Youtube Channel. She has loads of amazing content to get you into yoga, including plenty of 30 day challenges.
6. Maintain a Routine
Try where you can to maintain a routine. Lots of us are now working from home or perhaps have to take care of little ones who have been sent home from school. Feeling purposeless or lacking routine can lead to anxiety. Everything feels different and we’re not sure when it’s going to end. Try to establish a new normal by sitting down and creating a routine for yourself. Make sure you do things at the same time each day and create little rituals for yourself to keep things feeling stable. This might include a morning routine, sitting down to work at the same time every day, or taking a break in the afternoon to go for a walk. Consistency makes us feel safer.
7. Stay Nourished & Hydrated
Now, more than ever, is is the time to look after yourself. As far as possible, try to eat whole nutritious foods that will keep your body in tip-top virus fighting shape. Eating nourishing foods gives us more energy, which we need to feel our best at the best of times. Don’t underestimate what a massive impact our diet can have on our emotions. Remember, the majority of our serotonin (our happy hormone) is made in our gut! So focus on gut loving foods such as kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut, whole fibres, and fruit and veg.
8. Read
When my mum was ill, reading was one of the only things that would quieten my mind. Unlike other tasks, like watching TV, reading forces us be fully present, to concentrate on one thing and completely immerse ourselves in it. What you read is completely up to you. Choose whatever you truly enjoy. Maybe you love a soppy romance, or maybe you adore classics. Maybe you want to use this time to read some self-development books. Choose whatever is calling to you right now.
Suggested Post: 10 Self Help Books That You HAVE to Read in 2020
9. Practice A Hobby
Use this extra time that you have at home to practice something you love, something that you might not normally have time for. Maybe you love playing the piano or enjoy painting. Do something that makes you feel happy and alive. Finally do something not because someone else needs you to but because you want to – do something just for the joy of it!
10. Create a Relaxing Night Routine
During difficult times, stress can make it difficult to sleep. Our head hit the pillow and we start to think of the million and one things that could go terribly wrong. Create a relaxing night routine for yourself to help wind down. Turn off your phone, run a bath, indulge in some skincare, light a candle, do some meditation. Creating a warm, cosy, and calm environment will help to ease some of those panicky feelings.
