Maintaining Spiritual and Mental Stability during the Pandemic

yes, its easy to get carried away emotionally right now. We all need to remember that everyone is scared and uncertain of what is going on. Deep breathes and thinking twice before speaking or posting is something a lot of people are not doing right now. I think people need less social media right now and more arts, crafts, exercise, reading, etc. Positive influences to keep our bodies and minds active without constantly feeding into the fear mongering online and in the media.

fear:

media

Some may be quick to respond in anger these days out of fear. The news as well as social media is fueling the fear mongering with its persistant updates. I'm not saying we do not need to be kept up to date with new info, the way the media goes about it with headlines and key words is to instill fear in us.

social media

Many people are spending more time on social media reading all sorts of articles, watching the news constantly, and spreading their own fear. Refrain from engaging with these types of people and posts. Its best to allow yourself to simply keep scrolling and remember that this is pretty much everyone's first time experiencing anything like this.

fear mongering

Anxiety:

There are many tactics that can be utilized to help reduce and manage stress not only during times like this, but any time. Medication, meditation, yoga, anti-anxiety techniques, and more. When I have no anxiety medication and feel one beginning I place my right hand on my heart and focus on my breathing and heart beat while keeping my feet planted firming on the ground. I will even count and breath slowly, counting my breathing and timing them as well. A four count on the inhale, hold for four, release for six, and repeat.

For medication many doctors are offering a new option called "Telemedicine" which is a video chat or phone call with the Doctor and they can prescribe or call in refills of your current medications.

Mental Health

Depression will be at an all time high for many especially those who are quarantined by themselves. It's worse for those who are stuck in an abusive relationship where the only escape from it was work, school, etc which has basically all been shutdown in most areas around the world.

Fortunately there are many hotlines available which you can find by googling suicide, mental health, and other forms of hotlines that even offer text services if you prefer to text rather than speak on the phone.

spirituality

Mediation and remaining in touch with nature right now is very important. Our bodies need sunlight and fresh air to help maintain our mental, physical and spiritual health.

This time outdoors is still allowed at this point, in most areas, make sure to abide by your local laws and current rules, but walking, bike rides, sitting under a tree and reading a book or observing nature are great to help boost your immune system with vitamin D from the sun, fresh air, and of course getting your body moving even if for only a few minutes at a time.

activities:

Exercise and remaining active is very important not only to your physical health, but mental as well. There are many indoor exercises that can be done without any equipment. Youtube and Pinterest are full of fun, easy, and effective ones that are free to access. If you have children there are many that you can include them in to help with family bonding which is very important at this time if you live with any.

Selfcare is of utmost importance at this time as well. Take long hot showers or bathes, great time for face masks, bath bombs, body scrubs(many online recipes with ingredients you can find in your cabinets).

diet:

Take daily multivitamins and supplements to help boost your immune system. Zinc, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, elderberry, tumeric, and garlic are all very great immunity boosters.

Now is really a time to focus on healthy eating. Not saying you have to go vegan or even vegatarian, but be more mindful of the things you are putting in your body and try to incorporate foods that have essential vitamins and nutrients. Lots of fresh fruits and spinach, kale, etc.

It is still ok to turn to your comfort foods at times like this, but remember to pace yourself and portion properly. Its very easy to overeat, but you can leave yourself reminders that you're not hungry you're just bored. Make little single sized portions of healthy snacks for the times you cannot resist the urge to munch.