Your Head, Your Home: Mindfulness And Stress Management In A Pandemic

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By paying close attention to our current life experiences, we can learn to cultivate mindfulness to control the different sensations in our bodies, our emotions, and the thoughts that run through our minds. All life experiences offer different feelings and emotions, which, in turn, affect how we feel and perceive our current state of life. The practice of mindfulness teaches us to hone in on one of these feelings form a more wise, knowledgeable perspective which helps us cultivate compassionate ways of relating to our experiences, creating a higher understanding. Studies have shown large improvements when dealing with change after practicing mindfulness compared to pre-mindfulness practices. During the pandemic, many suffer from an abnormal level of stress and anxiety, resulting in a range of different sensations. Sometimes they can cause us to overthink, surfacing future concerns.

Mindfulness has the power to increase compassion and empathy, allowing us to better deal with situations and are both known for helping to build resilience to our experiences. As human beings, it is in our nature to want to be social and have physical connections such as hugs and handshakes, which offer short mental relief. However, as social distancing measures have stopped us from these physicality’s, mindfulness can nurture an internal connection with ourselves. Doing so also helps to reduce the risk of feeling lonely and isolated.

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Practicing mindfulness in a pandemic

There is a range of different ways one can practice mindfulness. Many individuals find a range of different combinations, which means not all practices may work for you personally. It’s best to practice them and see which you feel has the best benefits for you.

Mindful meditation

Meditation is one of the best ways to connect with your senses and practice mindfulness. Sitting in a quiet room while chanting can help relieve the day’s normal and natural stresses. Deep meditation can help heal and tune into our inner selves. Connecting with your senses can also be a great way of connecting with mindfulness through meditation. Our sense of smell helps create an atmosphere of calm, which is why essential oils that are calming, such as lavender or jasmine are encouraged to use while meditating. Using sound to help meditate is also one of the best ways to reduce stress. Many use calm, soothing sounds that help the mind reach a deep state of relaxation.

Breathing

Taking note of our own bodies’ natural sounds and motions can sometimes help create mindfulness. When taking note of your own breathing, it helps to create a natural rhythm that you are already used to. This enables you to bring your mind back to its present state, taking your attention out of your mind and into your body. Doing so will relieve your mind of any thoughts and worries and help it connect with your spirit – what you want to be rather than a reflection of your fears and anxieties.

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Exercise

Working out is an excellent way to practice mindfulness. This is because your mind concentrates on celebrating your body and its strengths while pushing it to do its very best. However, not all mindful practice exercise needs to be strenuous. Simply going for walks can also give you the mental space and capacity to connect with your body as you feel its movements. Walking in parks and open spaces, surrounded by nature, also helps lift mood swings as fresh air enters the lungs.

Doing the things you love

When you’re doing something you love it doesn’t even feel like a chore. That’s why it’s one of the best mindfulness practices to do. When we do something we love, our spirits are uplifted, and we are free of any worries or tension. Doing so will help you lose yourself in the practice and will help you pay attention to the present moment. Incorporating these types of activities into your weekly routine also gives you something to look forward to.

Connecting with thoughts and emotions

Many mindful practices help to bring you into to present. However, there will be those times where your worries and fears come back and catch you off guard. For this reason, it’s essential to observe your emotions and understand. Simply just feeling the way you are is not going to help you get over them. It’s important to consider where these fears and emotions are coming from to see if you can view from with a greater understanding of why or how they are making you feel. Although many argue that smart devices have damaged the natural flow of our minds, there are some great benefits to be received from them. Many smartphone apps are available today to help individuals with the practice of mindfulness.

Connecting with this feeling will help you overcome it. Understanding there may be nothing you can do about your worries or even that nothing can be done in the present moment can help you reduce your stress. Accept what is!

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