Several things you can do to help keep calm and centered.

The tension and uncertainty in the current environment is hard to ignore and can be tremendously unsettling. Amidst all the focus on protecting your physical health, we wanted to remind you of the importance of taking measures to also care for your mental and emotional health. For most, the fear, stress, anxiety, and difficult emotions produced by the current state of affairs will likely be worse than any infection they get.

So while you focus on protecting your physical health, here are some things you can also do right now to keep your mental and emotional health in check!

Practice gratitude – Yes, it’s the big buzz word these days, but in positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with contentment. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, deal with adversity, improve their health and build strong relationships.

Think about or even write down the things for which you are grateful: Nature, rain, your family, the joy of a cup of tea. We have so many things we can appreciate right in front of us that we often miss because we are too busy.

Deep breathe and sigh it out – focusing on your breathing can help to soothe your system.  By consciously making your exhale longer than your inhale you activate your sympathetic nervous system (the system that is responsible for calm and rest). (Think:  breathe in for 3, hold for 1, breathe out for 5). This is also a great meditation technique.

Journal– Spend some time letting your thoughts and feelings out on paper to clear your mind, process your experiences, and make space for love, light and positivity. Sometimes we need to clear out and deal with the fear and panic before we can make space for the light.

Create positive experiences – Make it a point to ramp up the little things that bring you joy, like coffee or tea, cuddling with pets, reading some fiction, playing games, or crafting.

Set boundaries – Pay attention to how the news you consume, the people you talk to, and the thoughts and feelings you have impact your sense of wellbeing. Consider limiting your time on social media or watching the news.

Talk on the phone or use Zoom, Facetime or other conferencing applications that can offer you free face to face conversations. Some people are even having virtual parties or get togethers in place of other events and meetings.

Walk – Walk outdoors if able or on a treadmill, elliptical machine, or even around the house!! Walking for 10-20 minutes several times a day helps keep your body supple, your blood pumping and helps a myriad of issues that are related to sitting too long.

Exercise – There are tons of options to exercise without going to a gym. YouTube is a great way to do exercises of all types and for all abilities. Try yoga, Pilates, Zumba, you name it! If you don’t have access to a TV or are not that computer savvy, try a few stretches on the floor or chair and maybe some other exercises like push-ups and sit-ups. It might surprise you how quickly your stamina increases!

While it is not the ideal situation and for many of us our lives have been turned upside-down, staying calm and connecting to our inner strength and kindness can make a huge difference. Who knows, you may meet a part of yourself you did not even know existed.

Namaste