Mindfulness

“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.”

~Marie Curie

Mindfulness & COVID-19

To say that COVID-19 is an emotional roller coaster is an understatement. That’s because there’s a very real existential fear and uncertainty as we charter into this new and unmarked territory of life. There is also the added pressure of being productive and staying positive while we are in quarantine. Although the idea of staying  positive may seem far fetched especially now, it can be achieved with a good mindfulness practice.

The truth is, what we think is. Therefore, since we cannot predict what is going to happen next, we should not try. Rather than let your mind continue playing a constant chatter of worry on a loop, consider how mindfulness can help you stop it. Mindfulness not only allows you to cope with your emotions, it can also help you stay focused, calm and in the moment.

What Is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a habit that will give you the tools you need to navigate uncertainty and fear more skillfully and compassionately. It is a practice that can help you stay rooted in the present. To be mindful is to be in the moment. Therefore, mindfulness is being in the moment, not distracted by external influences or even your own thoughts and feelings.

Mindfulness Practice In Today’s Environment

While we cannot control the situation, we can choose how we respond to it. And, this is where practicing mindfulness comes in. Being mindful allows you to be more present in the moment. And, with practice, you can learn to bring awareness to your thoughts and feelings before they begin to influence you. So, just how does one practice mindfulness in today’s environment. Below we list a simple but very good example on how to do that.

Mindfulness While Washing Your Hands: pay attention to the sensations associated with the experience:

  • Like the warmth of the water as it touches your hands
  • Be aware of how the soap feels and smells
  • Pay attention to any thoughts that arise
  • Or emotions you may feel 
  • If a thought pops into your head or you start to feel sad
  • Go back to the sensations of washing your hands (this is your anchor)

Managing The Emotional Roller Coaster

Collectively, we are handling a strange type of grief. And, it’s okay to not know how to deal with it. So, if you’re feeling a little queasy from the emotional roller coaster that is the pandemic, the good news is there are ways to manage that. When things get stressful remember to stop, take a breath, observe your feelings, and proceed.