Things to Remember while Navigating this Pandemic Storm
What a time in history this is! During these uncertain times, it’s important to remember there is no right way of doing things. Your experience is YOURS to have. That being said, there are certainly things to remember to help keep you afloat. Below are some gentle reminders that may help during this time.
- This time will pass. We tend to feel a situation is permanent while we’re experiencing it. It’s important to remember that this is NOT forever. Even though we don’t know when that will be, it WILL pass.
- The 5-4-3-2-1 method. Author Elizabeth Gilbert posted about using this process to help get yourself grounded in the present moment. I use a version of this myself and it’s so powerful. The exercise is to look around your physical surroundings. Name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can feel, 2 things you can smell and 1 thing you can taste. The inner peace you experience coming back to your “now” is profound.
- Avoid the news when feeling anxious. Or altogether as a preventative measure! Yes, it’s important to be informed but it’s not helpful to be inundated. There’s SO much information going around, some of it untrue, most of it redundant. Tune inwards and recognize when you need to shut it off.
- Regulate your Social Media intake. Same goes with social media. Of course, it’s a great tool to stay productive but it’s important to stay intentional with how & how much you’re using it. Emotions are already running high; you don’t need to take them on a roller coaster ride through Comparison Town & Overwhelm City.
- Connect to Nature… SAFELY. We all have a responsibility to do our part and stay home. So we must make sure we’re doing it safely but any connection to nature, whether it’s taking a walk, spending time in your backyard or balcony, even opening your window to listen to the birds sing, is essential to maintaining our wellbeing.
- Remember to Breathe. Take deep breaths regularly throughout the day. This may seem rudimentary but it’s so effective.
- It’s OK not to be productive every day. There’s such a pressure to DO MORE that we feel anxiety and guilt when we don’t feel “productive.” Accept that this time is going to look a little different. Some days will be more productive than others and THAT’S OK!
- Be easy on yourself. These times are unprecedented. We’re all new at this and doing our best in every moment. Your feelings are warranted and it’s OK to feel them. In fact, it’s important to allow yourself to feel them. Just be easy on yourself. Tend to your needs. You’ve never had more time to do so.
Whether you are physically alone, or just feeling lonely, know that you are NOT alone and that we’re all in this together. Continue to reach out to your loved ones and to your community. And don’t hesitate to reach out directly if you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed. We will get through this together!
Seja Ateia is a Life Coach. She helps her clients navigate through life changes to create more wholeness in their lives from the inside out. She is passionate about empowering people to become the best version of themselves to create a life they love. You can find her on Facebook or Instagram @sejaateia or email her directly at sejaateiacoaching@gmail.com.
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