This is a big question in an uncertain time! I would like to share some of my thoughts with you. I encourage you to develop some self care rituals to support yourself as we move forward through this unprecedented time in our personal journeys.
In the early part of the year when the pandemic was first declared by the World Health Organization, not many people thought we would still be dealing with it now. The fact is that we are now living our lives in the time of COVID, life is not on pause. We are all working out how to do this. Here are some suggestions to help you live well at this time and they are all things we would feel better for doing regardless of external circumstances.
Creating a morning ritual to start your day How we start our day has a profound effect on its outcome. Take time to find a way that sets you up right. It could be a quiet cup of coffee overlooking your yard, a 10 minute meditation, a short yoga practice, reading from a favorite spiritual text, or setting an intention for your day. This is a time to reconnect to your essence.
Taking scientifically backed precautions Do what you need to feel safe by taking appropriate Covid19 prevention steps. Find a scientific based source that you trust, like the CDC website or Colorado Dept of Health website, and follow their guidelines.
Nourishing your body for optimum health Eating a healthy diet, rather than succumbing to carbohydrate and sugar laden comfort food, will leave you feeling energized and boost your immune system. Now is a good time to be eating the bounty of the summer harvest of fruits and vegetables. Buy organic where you can. Adequately hydrating your body is also vital. We may not think of oxygen as a nutrient, but in times of stress we do not breath as deeply. Oxygen is essential to metabolizing our food. If you can take 5-10 mins at least once a day to sit and breath. Using the slow 4 counts in 4 counts out rate that we practice in class is a good way to reduce stress and bring oxygen into the body.
Move your body and connect to the earth Going outside and walking for 30 mins every day is great for your health and connects you to nature and you see the seasons moving along their usual path unperturbed. Feeling your feet on the earth and the breeze on your skin can help you get out of the mind's constant stream of thoughts and concerns. Also some type of mind/body practice on a regular basis, like yoga, is a great way to still the mind far more easily than meditation.
Doing things that feed your soul You may have heard of flow activities which are when you lose yourself in the process without any realization of time passing. What does that for you? Drawing, reading, gardening, painting, crafting, writing etc. are all possibilities. Once you know what does it for you see if you can fit in some time for those activities.
Avoiding too much media We are in an unprecedented time for negative news with the pandemic, the unrest over racism, our political situation and upcoming presidential elections. One obviously needs to keep abreast of current affairs but without obsessing or going down a deep on-line rabbit hole of worrisome news. Limiting news consumption particularly before bed is a good idea. Avoiding binge watching TV, and Netflix is also better for your mental wellbeing.
Getting enough rest Before bed create a wind down routine, and avoid screen time as the blue light disrupts normal sleep patterns. You could practice calming yoga breathing, read a book, take a warm bath or shower, or massage lotion into your feet.
Make social connections Even though we have to maintain a physical distance from each other we can reach out by phone and other modes of virtual communication. Connecting with family and friends is good for our well being and theirs too. While the weather is warm meet in a park or a friends yard where you are in the fresh air and far enough apart.This is a big question in an uncertain time! I would like to share some of my thoughts with you. I encourage you to develop some self care rituals to support yourself as we move forward through this unprecedented time in our personal journeys.