Back in January 2020 we heard on the news that a virus was infecting people in China. Now we are seven weeks into lockdown here in the UK, protecting ourselves and others from the same virus. Very quickly we found ourselves in a stressful and intense situation. Many of us feel uncertainty and anxiety, because of the virus but also because of the unprecedented measures being enforced around the world.
The world and our lives as we know them have changed.
Constant news and social media further ramp up the stress and fear and we wonder why we can’t sleep, relax or think clearly.
Next, our mental health becomes impacted and we find it even more difficult to cope with the situation we have found ourselves in.
Sound familiar? Trust me, you are not alone!
Our worries are not unfounded, non the less, worrying gets us nowhere. Fortunately, there are ways to help us limit the anxiety. Mindfulness.
I’m not talking about ignoring what is happening. I’m talking about ways to engage with the facts without allowing them to take over our thoughts and emotions.
Firstly, pay attention to what is happening in the present moment.
Where you are, what you are doing, what’s happening around you right now. This calms the mind and reduces stress and anxiety.
Secondly, notice the emotions that arise and accept them with kindness and compassion. Don’t try to label then or change them. When we accept our emotions we stop fighting them and give them less power.
This is a difficult time, we may have financial difficulties, loved ones may be sick. It’s hard to stay indoors and not see our family and friends. Look for the sparkles in the darkness. Being on lockdown allows us to slow down, perhaps rekindle a hobby, spend quality time with other members of our household, play with our pets, notice the beauty of nature, communicate with friends we haven’t spoken to for a while, even become closer to our neighbours.
Nature is being given a chance to restore and replenish. If we don’t pay attention to the present moment, don’t be mindful, we might never see the sparkles.
Much love Jan.
The world and our lives as we know them have changed.
Constant news and social media further ramp up the stress and fear and we wonder why we can’t sleep, relax or think clearly.
Next, our mental health becomes impacted and we find it even more difficult to cope with the situation we have found ourselves in.
Sound familiar? Trust me, you are not alone!
Our worries are not unfounded, non the less, worrying gets us nowhere. Fortunately, there are ways to help us limit the anxiety. Mindfulness.
I’m not talking about ignoring what is happening. I’m talking about ways to engage with the facts without allowing them to take over our thoughts and emotions.
Firstly, pay attention to what is happening in the present moment.
Where you are, what you are doing, what’s happening around you right now. This calms the mind and reduces stress and anxiety.
Secondly, notice the emotions that arise and accept them with kindness and compassion. Don’t try to label then or change them. When we accept our emotions we stop fighting them and give them less power.
This is a difficult time, we may have financial difficulties, loved ones may be sick. It’s hard to stay indoors and not see our family and friends. Look for the sparkles in the darkness. Being on lockdown allows us to slow down, perhaps rekindle a hobby, spend quality time with other members of our household, play with our pets, notice the beauty of nature, communicate with friends we haven’t spoken to for a while, even become closer to our neighbours.
Nature is being given a chance to restore and replenish. If we don’t pay attention to the present moment, don’t be mindful, we might never see the sparkles.
Much love Jan.
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