COVID-19 has filled our hearts with fear and doubt. Across the world, lockdowns are being put back in place to contain the spread of the virus, while in some countries, lockdowns are being eased as the number of cases have reduced. While majority of us are working or learning from home, the rest of us have returned to our workplaces or places of learning. Wherever we may be, the fear of COVID-19 looms large because of the so many unknowns.
While we are following COVID-19 safety protocols, it is important that we stay mentally and physically fit through this crisis. What can we do to stay strong mentally and cope with the fears that surround us? In times of crisis, meditation and pranayama are highly recommended by experts to stay calm and carry on. There are a lot of small steps that we can take to stay afloat in these trying times. Here are a few of them that have helped me.
- Maintain a routine
Whether you are at your office or are working or learning from home, having a routine is very important. Not having a routine can cause you to slip into negative thoughts. Each day have a routine that will energise you. Wake up early and plan your day. Plan everything from your meals to exercise to your personal work and professional work. This will allow you to get into a rhythm that is essential to remain positive.
- Learn a new skill.
“The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you.”- B. B. White
Learning is perhaps one activity that we can do all our life. Devote time each day to learn something new. It could be a new programming language or a language or even a new dance form. You may want to sharpen your knowledge on a specific topic. How about learning to play the guitar or the piano? You could also consider this to be a good time to learn how to cook or sew. It’s never too late! Whatever it is that you wish to learn, you could register for an online course or read a book or even watch videos online to get started.
- Pursue a hobby.
Spend time each week on a hobby. I always find that spending time doing what interests me, helps me to relax. This is when you can get into flow. You could find joy in photography, music, dancing, singing, origami, knitting, gardening, baking or in making jewelry. Involve your children, parents or even grand parents. Explore the possibility of converting your hobby into your vocation. Make your avocation your vocation!
- Stay connected and communicate.
During the lockdown, we all got more time with our family. I am sure that we realized how little time we spent with them earlier. It also helped us to understand the importance of having a family. Spend time each day with your children, spouse, and parents. Connect with them. Plan a fun-filled activity, say after dinner, which will be looked forward to. It could be as simple as playing a board game or even baking. A hobby that you can enjoy with family, as mentioned earlier, would be ideal. As far as possible, let it be a gadget free time. Try not to multitask during that time.
Connect with your friends and family in far off locations too. Call, message or write a letter (the good old way!) to enquire about them. Staying connected to those you love and care for helps you feel good.
- Take a walk in nature.
Each day, make sure you take a walk in nature. If you live or work in a green neighborhood, you are very lucky. Even otherwise, take a walk around the block. These days, with gadgets and apps, even as we walk, our focus is on the number of steps we take and not on our surroundings. Take time to breathe in the fresh air and admire the beauty of nature. This, according to me, is meditation and being mindful when we walk can help us to declutter our mind.
- Start a Gratitude Journal.
Maya Angelou said “The best attitude is that of gratitude.” Saying ‘Thank you’ each day for all that you have, is a great way to live. From the time you wake up, till the time you go to bed, express gratitude for all that you have in life. From the sun shining in the sky to the running water in the tap, let’s be grateful for all that we have as there are those who are less fortunate than us who may crave for the very things we take for granted. Jotting these thoughts down each day in a journal, will help us be positive.
- Reduce gadget time.
These days we spend a lot of time with gadgets, especially our smart phones. Whether we want to read the day’s news, check our e-mail, increase our knowledge or participate in meetings, we use our smart phones for almost everything. Too much screen time, can be harmful. Make a conscious effort to reduce the time you spend with your gadgets. Reduce your TV time. Cultivate the habit of not using your phone for the first hour after you awaken and the last hour before your go to bed. When you are using your computer or your phone, make sure that after every 20 minutes, you look away for 20 seconds at a distant object and blink 20 times.
- Listen to Uplifting Music
Listen to any music that makes you happy. Just enjoy it!
- Visualization
Sit in a quiet corner. Close your eyes and visualize how you want the future to be. Imagine a peaceful and healthy COVID-19 free world! Wish for good health and happiness for yourself, your family and the entire universe. Do this everyday to see how it can make a difference.
While we cannot control what is happening around us, we can certainly control our reaction to it. Take all precautions necessary and remain optimistic.
“No storm in nature lasts forever.”
Unknown
Believe that we can overcome this crisis and better times will soon be here.
Stay safe!
Here are some more articles on this topic that I found useful.
The Joy of Mindful Moments 