As COVID-19 slowly makes its way into major cities and small suburbs across the nation, it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to remain calm and not panic.  

 

It doesn’t mean that we should go crazy inside and solely focus our attention on what is happening with world outside.

 

Try to immediately limit how much news you watch, especially some of the overhyped reporting that only propagates fear and anxiety.

 

First and foremost, get updates and facts from reliable sources, and then focus your attention elsewhere. 

 

You can avoid contact with other people and wash your hands more carefully, but your ability to remain calm comes from within. That means you’ll have to take the necessary steps in reducing your stress and anxiety and promoting calmness while the virus runs its course. 

 

We’re going to go over three of the best ways that you can stay calm and centered in times of COVID-19 panic!

 

 

Meditation & Mindfulness

So, you’re anxious and stressed as a result of the rapid spread of Coronavirus. If you’ve never attempted meditation or any mindfulness techniques in the past, then now couldn’t be a more  perfect time to try them out and get some practice under your belt. 

 

According to the Mayo Clinic, meditation can play a huge role in helping you to maintain your mental and emotional health, even benefiting aspects of your physical health.  I know personally that it has helped me maintain my focus and stay calm in the midst of everything that is happening right now. 

 

Here are a few things that meditation can do for you.

 

● Greater outlook on life (positivity)

● Increased feelings of calmness

● Greater self-awareness

● Reduced levels of anxiety and stress.

● Improved focus

 

The best part is: There are plenty of different types of meditation.

 

If you’re able to focus for long periods, you might want to try out guided meditations or visualization techniques. When you’re looking to stay more active while you’re quarantined, you can give body weight workouts and yoga a go. 

 

 

Finding a Creative Outlet

You might be stuck in the house for the next few weeks, but that doesn’t mean you have to resort to going stir crazy.

 

In fact, that’ll probably only increase your feelings of panic during such trying times!

 

This is a great time to try out some new (or old) creative hobbies. When you’re focused on building or creating something new, you’re reducing the amount of focus on the negativity surrounding you. That means creativity is a solid way of helping you to relax.

 

 

A creative outlet can be almost anything. Here are a few things you might want to try out (if you have the supplies in your home).

 

● Painting, coloring, or drawing

● Singing or playing musical instruments

● Taking photos or videos of things you enjoy

● Building something with things lying around the house

● Writing (journaling, blogging, emails to your friends!) 

● Light a few candles and sit and listening to music 

● Puzzles 

● Reading something and then writing an essay about it (yes, remember English 101 class?). This is a great way to take your mind off the world’s troubles.

 

Basically, the goal here is to find an activity or task that requires an intense amount of focus and makes you happy. You won’t even notice that you spent the last hour drawing your favorite cartoon character.

 

 

Giving Back & Helping Others

It’s completely natural to be fearful of the unknown but giving back to others can help you to tackle this fear once and for all.

 

When you’re giving back to the community or helping those in need, you’ll be working to spread compassion and happiness rather than fear and anxiety.

 

With so many people sick or self-quarantined, most people aren’t permitted to leave the home. However, these individuals do still have needs that they now can’t meet on their own.

 

As long as you’re keeping your distance and not exposing anyone to the virus, you can deliver food and groceries or do things like their yard work.

 

This past week, we helped our senior community get on Zoom Video conferencing so we can continue our monthly meetings.

 

We’ve actually been using this for family calls with our daughter Carley who is in Southern California and our family on the East Coast.  It’s always so wonderful to see everyone’s smiles! (see photo above!)

 

It’ll make you feel good about yourself while also helping those who need it!

 

So, call your neighbors, post something on your Facebook to let those in need know you are available and how to get in contact.

 

Final Thoughts

You can’t do anything yourself when it comes to curing or stopping the spread of COVID-19 (except by staying at home), remember there are things you can do that can reduce your panic and invoke an overwhelming sense of calmness.

 

By taking advantage of mindfulness, looking for a creative outlet, and even giving back to those who need it, you’ll be able to stay calm and centered, and the world needs more of that right now!

 

If you have any questions or would like help with mindfullness, please feel free to leave a comment below, we’d love to chat with you!

 

To your health and wellness, 

Posted in Health, Mindset, Stress, Wellness

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