Getting outside has been proven to lower blood pressure, improve mood and quality of sleep.
Finding Balance in Uncertain Times by Julie Peterson
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ncertain times cause anxiety and make people feel out of control. Feeling a loss of control creates more anxiety and this can turn into a vicious cycle. As we shelter at home, we may be completely safe and yet we may feel completely unsafe, unhappy, and unsure about everything. Getting back that sense of control can help us move forward in a more positive way, with greater happiness and confidence.
Establish a Routine
Our lives changed quite suddenly and most of the routines we had in place are gone. “Absolutely nothing is the same, but it’s important that we allow ourselves to be okay with the fact that everything is different,” says Reverend Janice Cary of Unity of Fort Pierce, who is also a Life and Spiritual Coach. Figuring out how to live in this time, at this time, and enjoy life by recognizing all that we have to be grateful for is the task we are presented with. 18
Space & Treasure Coast Edition
While there is grief surrounding the economy being shut down, fear of the loss of income, fear of illness and shock for many at witnessing scarcity for the first time, in addition to gratitude for what is still good, there are ways to maneuver through the craziness with a greater sense of control. One great way to feel in control is to establish a routine for part of, or all of, the day. Jessica Schneider, owner of Your Health Thermal and Wellness Coach, is encouraging people to have a routine that includes a spiritual component, an activity that involves reaching out to a loved one and physical exercise. “I think it’s so important to recognize that we are a three part being: we are spiritual, we are emotional and then we are physical. So, we have to make sure that we are supporting each system.” Giving ourselves compassion is crucial. “Of course we’re in fear, how could we not be? This is so different. So to think that we’re not supposed to have that feeling, that’s the mistake. There
would be something wrong with us if we didn’t have this concern,” says Rev. Cary.
Keep Healthful Activities in Place
Keeping or putting healthful activities in place is something that we can do during this challenging time. Exercise and other healthful activities not only boost our immune system, but they make us feel better on many levels. “With the COVID situation that we’re in, we’re seeing a lot of people panicking and in anxiety,” says Andrea Pearson, Health and Life Coach at Tranquility Haven. “It’s not only important that we take care of our physical health but our mental health as well.” Meditation can be particularly helpful to keep us grounded and calm. While there are numerous types and methods, Pearson recommends that people who are new to meditation start with a simple focus on the breath. “Lots of people hold their breath and don’t even realize how tense they are,” she says. “Proper breathing goes down into the stomach. When you’re inhaling the stomach should inflate like a balloon.” Breathing naturally, with full inhalations and exhalations, and just noticing how the breath moves is a form of meditation. Another breathing meditation technique is to inhale for a count of four, hold the breath for a count of seven and then exhale for a count of eight. This 4-7-8 breathing helps you focus on the present moment. “When you focus on the present moment, it keeps you from worrying about the future or holding onto the past. Having a strong mind boosts your immunity. Focusing on the present moment also helps us feel safe,” says Pearson. Nutrition is another aspect of our health that can boost immunity and control stress. While it may be tempting to have a big sugar buzz or a carb coma, we will feel vastly better overall if we practice some restraint on the junk food and focus on staying hydrated and eating healthful foods, such as fruits and vegetables in all the colors of the rainbow. MyNaturalAwakenings.com
