6 Tips to Help Find Balance in the Middle of Uncertainty
We are experiencing a time in our lives unlike anything we have experienced before. Our way of living has changed significantly and we have been isolated and unable to connect with one another due to quarantine and social distancing. When isolated and unable to connect with others we begin to experience anxiety, depression, and feelings of being unsafe. During this time of COVID and social unrest we may also experience hopelessness, high stress, and fear. Here is some helpful information to assist you in finding some balance and better cope during an uncertain time.
1. Get creative.
For some of you this is easy, and for some of us this is a challenge (like me!). Creativity comes in all forms. Find something that allows the creative side of your brain to wake up. Some examples are cooking, coloring with adult coloring books, creating a couple of favorite music playlists, download old photos and create an online photo album, or baking. Research has shown that creativity helps significantly with mental health. Find what works for you and light that beautiful brain of yours up!
2. Stretch your body.
This is as simple as it sounds and really good for you too! Not only that, you feel good right after the stretching! So, you’ve been inside and maybe less active than usual and this causes you to start folding in on yourself. Start unfolding by stretching and making your body big again (or restore it to its rightful size 😊). Just regular stretching. Nothing fancy here. Include your fingers and toes, spread them wide. Stretch you’re legs and toes out when you’re sitting down. Stretch all parts of you throughout the day.
3. Go outside.
Even if for 15 minutes (I recommend 30), go outside every day unplugged. Let your body move in the outdoors, breathe in the fresh air, listen for the birds, watch for cloud animals in the sky… just be present with yourself while experiencing the outdoors. Be intentional about the movements you make and notice the sounds and smells around you. Engage your senses. What do you see, hear, feel and your body overall sense? Let your experience be more than the thoughts in your head.
4. Limit your news and social media intake.
Too much news and social media leads to anxiety, stress, fear, and sometimes further isolation. Take in enough information to stay informed, but watch for signs that tell you when you’ve had enough. Some signs include feeling fidgety, agitated, and/or overwhelmed. When you notice any of these things walk away from the news source and engage in one of the tips mentioned here. You can also call a friend, write in a journal about how you are feeling, or get up and clean something around your living space. Again, find something that works for you.
5. Mindfulness/Meditation.
Mindfulness/meditation has been proven to have amazing healing benefits for your body; physically, emotionally and spiritually. Especially in this time of disconnection mindfulness/meditation allows you to connect to yourself, the most vital connection of all. You can find mindfulness/meditation apps on your phone and online. One free phone app that I use is “Serenity: Guided Meditation & Mindfulness.”
6. Be gentle with yourself.
Often times when you are feeling anxiety, depression, stress, fear, or hopelessness you tend to experience yourself in a negative way and may partake in a bit of negative self-talk. I encourage you to become mindful of how you are relating to yourself during this time and ask yourself “Is this really true or is this what I perceive to be true?” You see, they are two different things. Most of the time what negativity we are experiencing and saying about ourselves is the perceived truth and not THE truth. Practice gentle kindness toward yourself as you would toward a friend and loved one. Be gentle with yourself. You are doing the best that you can!