With everything that's happening with the coronavirus right now, I wanted to write something that would give you real tools for managing stress and emotions during this time of social unrest.
Fear is running pretty rampant, and the fear of fear is just as high. In this article, I'm sharing 7 ways to stay grounded, calm and emotionally balanced.
The coronavirus from a spiritual perspective
If you think about what happens to you when you become ill, you can sort of relate that to our collective consciousness at large.
Illness forces us to slow down, take care of ourselves and focus on what really matters. It can be like a big reset button after ignoring your needs and well-being for too long.
Rather than seeing this time as a frightening period where everything is going wrong, think about the opportunity that is being presented.
We are all being forced to slow down, to take care of ourselves and focus on what really matters. You can either choose to spend this time in panic and drama, or you can choose healing and growth.
7 ways to stay grounded amidst social unrest
It's easy, normal and natural that you feel some fear and anxiety around everything that's going on right now. It's all over the media and everyone is talking about it–of course it's going to trigger some not so pleasant thoughts.
Don't beat yourself up over it or fear your own fear. Let's just all take a deep breath...ahhh, now exhale. We're going to get through this and learn some things along the way that will expand us in ways we didn't anticipate.
1. Stay in the present moment
One of the absolute best ways to stay grounded and in a neutral feeling place is to practice being in the present moment.
How do you do this, exactly? By bringing your awareness to the right now, right here. You are likely safe and comfortable right now, and you are definitely alive.
Focus here. Notice all the good that is around you in this moment. Is there anything beautiful around you? Anyone who you cherish? What is going well for you?
Pick one good thing in your now moment and appreciate it. By staying in the present moment, especially in a place of appreciation, everything that you need will flow effortlessly into your experience. You won't need to be fighting over toilet paper or anything else.
Trust. Appreciate. Go with the flow.
Keeping your focus in the now keeps your awareness out of the future moment, which only produces anxiety because it leaves your ego mind coming up with all kinds of scenarios on what could happen.
Channel your inner child and let yourself be delighted by what the present moment holds. I recently read this book and it shifted my life in a big way because it taught me how to be present in my body.
2. Meditate daily
I heard a beautiful metaphor recently that said the mind is like moving water; only when the water becomes still can you see an accurate reflection of reality.
Meditation stills the mind, increases your energy field and lowers stress hormones in your body. When stress is lowered, your immune system works more efficiently. Everything works more efficiently when you meditate.
All you need to do is sit still for twenty minutes a day, focused on a sound in the room (or use an app on your phone to create white noise). Yes, your mind will wander but just keep bringing it back to focusing on the sound.
The more you practice, the quicker you will drop into that still feeling. Inner peace permeates your being and life flows so much easier.
Meditation allows you to disconnect from this reality and plug into the infinite. Everything within is restored and balanced. Pick a time of the day that works best for you and start practicing it.
And if you would like to try guided meditations instead, read my post here for my favorite ones.
3. Don't engage with the fear
The more you allow your focus to rest upon something, the more its presence will increase in your life. That's just a universal law.
I sort of treat the social unrest like politics–I stay very mildly aware but don't engage.
You can unfollow news pages, people or any toxic outlet that is constantly fear-mongering. Turn off phone notifications if you need to and practice the fine art of scrolling past negative, ranty things without reading them.
Know the safety basics, but there's no need to inundate yourself further day in and day out with news and stories that rob you of your peace of mind.
4. Use eft tapping to release anxious thoughts
I have been using EFT tapping for last year and can't say more positive things about it. It is an extremely powerful way to shift limiting beliefs as well as anxious, fearful thoughts.
Tapping works because it stimulates the meridian points and calms the body. It brings down the level of stress hormones being pumped through the body and restores peace of mind.
I've learned about it mostly through YouTube video demonstrations and through the Tapping Solution app. I do pay for the pro version, but I just got an email the other day that they released a tapping meditation specifically for the coronavirus and it's available in the free version.
Tapping is a great addition for your nightly self-care routine. I usually tap when I get out of the shower at night on any emotion that's bothering me. Serious game-changer.
5. Journal to process emotions
As I've been stating, it is normal and natural that all of us would be feeling emotions around this event. It's bringing up a lot of fear, doubt and anxiety.
Slapping a smiley face over all of it doesn't make it go away. The emotions need to be acknowledged and processed in order for them to be released. Journaling is one of the most powerful ways to do this, in my opinion.
I recommend getting a journal, a piece of paper or a Word document and use any of the following prompts to help process emotions around everything that's going on:
- How I've been feeling recently/today
- Is there anything specifically that has triggered me?
- What am I most fearful of?
- What are 3 positive and true statements I can make right now?
- How do I want to begin feeling?
- What are 10 things I'm appreciating currently?
- What helps me to feel safe and calm?
6. Connect with your body
We often forget that mind and body are connected. We also forget that our bodies and cells are highly intuitive and intelligent. The body knows how to heal–it just needs you (your ego-mind) to not hinder it from doing so.
The body loves deep breaths, movement, rest and nurturing thoughts.
What ways would be enjoyable for you to connect with your body if you're feeling disconnected from it or afraid for it? Here are some ideas:
- Yoga, Qi Gong, Tai Chi (all heal your energetic field)
- Long baths with epsom salt
- Cleansing warm showers with low lighting
- Going for walks
- Simple stretching
- Eating food that makes you feel good
- Drinking more water
- Taking more naps, going to bed early, sleeping in
- Listening to your body's cues
7. Immerse yourself in positivity
With so much fear and panic being spread around right now, one of the most beneficial things you could do to cultivate inner peace is to surround yourself with things that calm, ground and inspire you.
Instead of giving your time, focus or attention to the media, immerse yourself in uplifting podcasts, people and books. Consume content that reminds you of how powerful you are.
Here are a few of my favorites:
- Abraham Hicks recordings (there's an endless amount on YouTube)
- Powerful audio books on the mind-body connection (I'm listening to this one) that you can listen to while driving/cleaning/showering
- Inspiring books: spiritual, power of the mind, daily meditation
- Nourishing podcasts: Meditations & Musings, Tea with Robin, Zura Health, Ancient Wisdom Today, Mark Groves Podcast
Recap
Acknowledge the emotions coming up in order to process and release them in a healthy way. Don't beat yourself up for having these emotions, either.
We are here to experience emotions and have the human experience, and fear is apart of that because it is the shadow of love.
Deep breaths, self-compassion and staying present will de-escalate things every time. Just keep giving yourself and those around you an extra dose of love.
Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed this article and found something to take away with you. Please share your thoughts or questions in the comments below.
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With love,
Jessica
Jessica Dimas is the author of Sacred Self-Care for Your Chakras.
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SP
Wonderful helpful insightful post thank you!