In these uncertain times, it’s easy to enter panic mode. As the world around us changes daily and COVID-19 developments continue to unravel, so many people are frightened for their futures. Everything is at stake: our livelihoods, jobs, the little moments in our daily routines that we thrive off of, and watching the news added extra stress and anxiety to our already heightened nerves during such an unusual ordeal.
Now more than ever, it is crucial to check in with those you love - including yourself! We’re being told to stay inside and socially distance, which is something that feels so punishing to people who live life to the fullest by spending time with loved ones, enjoying the great outdoors, and contributing to economic success by working regularly and spending money on meaningful experiences.
It feels as though our entire way of life is being threatened by something so unfamiliar to us, and now more than ever, it's important to check in with those you care about - including yourself! As we are cooped up, isolated from family and friends, eyes glued to the news, we cannot let our mental health fall behind. I cannot stress enough how vital it is to engage in activities that will contribute to putting your mind at ease, anxiety at bay, and staying as present as possible despite the circumstances at play.
1. Meditation
Staying grounded and present is something we should all prioritise. We can't control what's happening outside, but we can control how we react to it. Some great meditation apps are Headspace and Calm, and they lead you through a guided practice to relax your mind and help you focus on remaining as peaceful as possible.
2. Quality Time
This is a unique opportunity to remind ourselves that, at the end of the day, love is all that matters! We are spending extra time with our loved ones, in super close proximity, but rather than thinking of all the ways we are bothered, let's appreciate this special window of time to reconnect and show gratitude for the blessings we have. Watch movies, do puzzles, have deep conversations, reconnect. And even if you aren't quarantined with those you love, use websites like Zoom to have virtual happy hours and get back in touch with people you always meant to call but kept putting it off. Thanks to technology, it's easy to always stay connected, so let's take advantage of it.
3. Self-Love
We all have busy lives, and we typically have to plan days off specifically for taking a hot bath, having wine, lighting a candle, doing a face-mask, watching TV, cooking dinner, and spending time loving on ourselves. However, due to the current ordeal, this can be a daily reality. Use this time to make sure you are treating yourself. What do you need? How can you keep yourself happy and soothed? Treat yourself like royalty.
4. Sound Baths
A hidden gem. Sound vibration frequencies have been known to yield many healing qualities, and is a practice embraced by those fond of eastern and western medicine. Sound baths can have truly spectacular benefits, and participating in a virtual class is a great way to keep calm and carry on! Many sound healers around the world are leading sessions via Instagram Lives, and Five Sense Collective is one of them. This elite wellness company not only offers sound bath classes, but also leads chakra sound journeys, facial massage rituals, reiki courses, and more!
5. Breathe
Never underestimate the power of deep breath work. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to stay grounded is to focus on our breathing, ground ourselves, and calm our mind. We need to keep our brains oxygenated and we need to keep our hearts pumping blood through our veins. Breathing is the foundation of everything we are, and we can't forget to slow down and take it all in. Breathe in the good, breathe out the bad.
Got a fitness question? Email Sebastien at [email protected] for his expert opinion!
