It’s a seemingly grim situation outside with so much happening due to the global spread of the novel Covid 19! Most of it is outside our control and THIS is what is worrying us- The uncertainty.
The best way to contain the spread is to stop physical contact with people around i.e. Social distancing. This also means that all of us should stay at home/indoors to stop non essential human contact.
But as human beings are, anything that binds us ( read Rules), makes us feel trapped.
So, I have received a few calls from friends and family and people who I do interventions with asking me how to stay sane while being full time at home and hearing so much of bad news around. People are anxious about what is yet to come… And then someone like me says- Hang in!! Why not just be “Where you are now” rather than going ahead to “Where would all of us be”!!! Mindfulness eh… In the times of Corona! It can’t solve the problem but… Some people reply.
Or maybe it can!
So, amidst this social distancing, thought of sharing a few things that can make your stay at home, one of the most enjoyable experiences of your life. Try them out and let me know if these things made any positive difference to the way you look at things. I am sure they work wonders!
1. Work on your physical self
Start that long pending fitness routine that you wanted to begin, but didn’t get time to. This is the time to remind yourself that your physical health is of utmost importance. Spend at least 30 minutes doing dance, yoga, cardio or any workout that you wish to. Please don’t complain that there is no time. If nothing else, you have the usual office travel time to give to your health. Take charge!!
Use this opportunity to boost your immunity to fight off illnesses with home made readily available ingredients and recipes. Increase your intake of Vitamin C through citrus fruits like orange, berries, guava, lemon etc. Use honey, turmeric as a part of your recipes to make interesting items which even your picky kids (if you have) would love to have. Make the most of your home stay to detoxify and strengthen your immune system.
2. Connect with your family
Yeah! They do exist. There is a life beyond phone, mails and browsing and trust me, it’s way more beautiful. It’s time to revive and relive your good old days. Play family games in your free time. Talk to your family members over a nice of cup of tea/coffee or hot chocolate, watching over the sunset. What about a round of Uno? Treat yourself people!! You deserve this for yourself and your family!
Pick up that phone and talk to that long lost aunt or your cousin you have been meaning to call for ages now. Practice social distancing and use technology for social connecting. Of course, maintain physical distance even at home !!
3. Stay off any forwards or news about what’s happening outside or anything which is not in your immediate control.
Stop that urge to constantly check your phone to get a dope on the latest Covid numbers!! Know that it will not help even if you are completely updated on the news dope. Maybe if you had invested in the stock market, it would have been a wonderful strategy to stay glued in to the charts.
It’s tough time and more so because of our obsession with wanting to know every little detail about what’s happening outside. Relax!! Battles aren’t won if you compare yourself with the might of your enemy.
Simplify things! All you need to know is what can go wrong and how, how can you stay safe and keep others safe and in worst case, how can the situation be tackled if need arises. Take responsibility to practice safe measures and keep people around safe. That’s it!!! Period.
Have the belief that if each one of us just does his/her part 100%, the task is simpler and winning over is a strong possibility.
Now don’t say- But!!! People don’t understand. They aren’t doing their part!!! Trust people. They have enough common sense to deal with themselves. And if they haven’t, at least you take charge of yourself.
4. Practice mindfulness
Trust me, in spite of all that’s going on, every moment is still joyful if you just stay in the HERE and NOW. Sit back and look outside your window. I am sure you will be overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of everything outside. Take this time to connect with everything around and be in the NOW of things. This is a beautiful time to realize and look inside and connect with yourself. Maybe you will be surprised with what you find. Maybe this is the beginning of something entirely new for you, your calling or your priorities.
If you need any guidance on how to practice mindfulness, you have many online resources to refer to. If you want to do a guided practice at home, you can reach out to me for sit at home online sessions. Drop in a mail at goodlifeprojects.nimisa@gmail.com
Do apply these ideas or maybe just test these out and see how the little mindful acts will work wonders to your physical, mental, emotional and social health.
Wish you all stay safe and come out stronger!
Gratitude and Wishes!!
thegoodlifeprojects 