Covid-19/corona/’rona has altered our lives, to say the least. Some of us may not be suffering, but our lives have been disrupted. What we knew as typical for so long, has changed…forever. Sharing some suggestions here that I hope will be helpful, especially at this point on the journey…mid-‘rona.
Acknowledge the change.
Writing has been cathartic for me and I’ve heard many others say the same. Write your feelings, daily…what is difficult, what is/has been good, what seems daunting beyond measure. Just write – words, phrases, run-on sentences…all are welcome.
It is alright if we are not “okay”. We need not “fix” or “plan” – just jot down feelings. Making note of both negative and positive feelings may help to not be weighed down. For non-writers, how about writing just one sentence a day? Today, I feel…
If children are a part of your life, let them know that they can write, doodle, “angry” draw.
Accept the changes brought on by the change.
Take a deep/full breath (or three or thirty, throughout the day). If breathing techniques haven’t been a part of our lives, beginning and ending the day with a full/deep breath may be a good start.
Try this: after washing your face in the morning (or for night owls, after washing your face at night), do nothing. Really…n-o-t-h-i-n-g! Set a timer/alarm for seven minutes then sit back in a comfortable space and close your eyes if you want. Just sit…in a dimly lit (or naturally lit) place. When the seven minutes are over, take a deep/full breath (inhale and exhale slowly while seated) then stand up.
After standing, take another deep/full breath and stretch (while breathing in, reach up for the stars and stand all the way up on your tip-toes), hold your breath for four to seven seconds (if possible) then breathe out slowly (four to seven seconds) and gently go into work or cleaning or homeschooling or your morning/nightly routine.
Hug each person in your home (or dap or high-fives) before and/or after every meal. Go for a walk (a leisurely stroll to enjoy nature) or bike ride every morning and/or evening.
Set up “appointments” on the calendar to connect via video calls with family and friends. Bake or cook together then exchange with a friend or surprise someone with a text after leaving sweets/eats on their front porch!
Create an affirming, encouraging personal statement. Write it out in a bold/fun way. Place it on the bathroom mirror, nightstand or another prominent place. Read it out loud everyday (at the start and/or end of the day). Make it a family project if all family members want to participate.
Laughter is healing. Find things that make you laugh, daily.
Talk to a mentor, coach and/or licensed professional (help is available online).
Adjust to the change/s.
Now that some of us have much more time at home, things that we pushed down may come to the surface. Our society has us running/occupied/busy, but ‘rona may have us noticing some things…how can we adjust well?
If I need a nap, I take a nap. If I need to spend a minute looking at an image of the ocean or the smile of a loved one (including those who have relocated from earth), I do it. If I need to play the sounds of the ocean (or listen to some other sound/music), I do it. If I need to enjoy a tablespoon of peanut butter, hold my furry friend for five to fifty seconds, sing or step out on my back patio and take some deep breaths…whatever it is that I need, I do it. I now understand and feel the comfort, joy and stress of being home all the time!
What is it your heart needs? What adjustments can be made to keep our hearts and minds healthy? We are unique individuals, so what helps one may not help another. Find what helps your heart.
Common Day Heroes: You have remained kind and consistent. So much changed for you (even pre-corona) and many changes have been negative, but you remain positive. You are my greatest encouragers and I hope to be the same for you always. Regardless of what this life brings, I AM eternally for you, my adorable gifts from heaven. My brave Jade and sweet Evan, I dedicate this post to you.
