We’re in the thick of very unique and challenging times, that no one from our generation has gone through before. And so we are grappling with it. People are processing the situation in very different ways. Some are in panic, anxiety and overstock-your-supplies-mode while some are resting, meditating, exercising and finding new ways to be. The key is resilience. Sure, the situation has affected people differently – but yet, we are all in it together. And we all have to make sense of this “forced pause,” says Delna Mistry Anand.
Business have closed down, markets have crashed, there have been pay-cuts and lay-offs. I don’t deny the loss and the anguish, but by learning how to work through your pain, you can stay afloat and find a way to swim back to shore.
Why do some people seem to take life’s challenges in their stride, while others sink rock bottom? Here are a few ways to help you emotionally maneuver through the choppy waters:
- “This is how it is”
Let’s face it. Each day is a new story. And we aren’t in control. The news and the statistics is the perfect catalyst to make us fret and worry. Our mind jumps into the future and we tend to fear the worst-case scenario.
Take comfort in the fact that ‘right now’, you are okay. Once you connect to the present moment and accept that this is how it is right now, you start building emotional energy and the muscle to tide things over.
- Accept how you feel
Yes, it may seem contradictory, but it is necessary to accept what you are feeling. Allow yourself to feel the pain and anguish, journal your feelings and connect with the inner voice within. Don’t allow overwhelm. Face it. And then become the observer. Witness, instead of reacting. Pay close attention to the “cause” and “effect” of who and where you are today, and how you can do things better or differently.
- Find what feels good
Even in the darkest moments, there will be something that brings you joy and that feels good. Connect with that. Allow those moments to lift your spirits.
- Breathe
(Be responsible about social distancing). Go to a quiet deserted place close to where you live and just listen. The earth is breathing a sigh of relief. Just listen to the sounds that you never heard when there was traffic, or crowds. Listen, and breathe deeply.
- Routine
In whatever way you can, maintain your routine. Don’t sleep in too late. Get up and get out of those pajamas. Have a shower and get to your desk on time. Take a schedule break for your meals and coffee/tea. And make sure your children, if you have any, also follow a routine.
- Move your body
Moving our bodies daily is so vital for our mental health and our strength. Exercise and physical activity deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and help your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you have more physical and mental energy.
- Create
Use this time to learn something new, to teach your children, to enjoy, to rest, to create. Worry and faith have the same energy, though opposites. Opt for faith, and use this time productively
The only way out, is through.
We need to get through this. This forced pause. And when this challenging time has passed, we will come together, grieve our losses, and talk about new choices we’ve made. Make sure you come out of this strong.
Life will play again after the pause. Let’s recharge our batteries in the meantime.
Delna Mistry Anand teaches meditation for the modern mind, integrating techniques for mindfulness-based stress reduction, spiritual guidance and more. Using a combination of
healing modalities along with traditional practices of meditation and pranayama (breathing techniques), she leads people to reconnect with their inner wisdom and bring about their own spiritual healing in a deep and profound way. Delna is a certified life coach, meditation teacher, sound healing practitioner, Reiki master, alternative healer and a gifted intuitive mentor.
Contact Delna at @delnaanand