The situation we are living in now is still unusual. And, since we are away from beating the virus, it will not end very soon. Every one of us finds themselves in a different homestay situation. Some of us might be tired of a daily routine and babysitting the kids. Some of us are bored staying at home all they long and working remotely. Not to mention, that often our most common entertainment practice after work is to watch Netflix, spending additional long hours in front of the TV/mobile/computer screen. Finally, some of us might be in fear of getting infected because of their weak immune system, others might worry about their job security. All of us wonder what our new-normal reality will offer, and we are a bit distressed not only about our health but also about our well-being.
However, the circumstances we are living in now are not only negative. The current situation allows us to slow down, take stock and reflect on our lives deeper than we would normally do. We have more time for our families, more time to spend at our homes and to learn some new things. Now, it is an opportunity to do everything you have never had the time to do. But it’s also time to get some proper rest. How you choose to spend your time depends on you. You don’t have to be productive all the time. You can just do nothing without feeling any pangs of regret.
Self-compassion – a key to a happy life
It’s great time to learn a mindful approach and practice self-compassion. The time to take care of yourself. We have a few more weeks or months before our lives get extremely busy again. It’s worthwhile to use that time to become a more self-conscious and powerful person. Also, it’s time to work on building a stronger bond with your children and partners. But first, start with yourself. You can compare it to an emergency situation on an airplane: you must first put on your mask before assisting others.
How can you take care of your emotional well-being?
I think the crucial point is to accept the current, unusual situation and conform to the restrictions, they are there for our good. Realize that people from the whole world are in the same situation and they struggle with anger, frustration, and infirmity, just like you.
Start to practice self-compassion and stop being hard on yourself.
Treat yourself as you would treat a good friend or a small child. Give yourself a lot of warmth, patience, and understanding. Don’t push yourself to do things that you don’t want to and overlook small things that bother you.
Make peace with your inner critic.
Try to turn it into a gentle supporter. Stop punishing yourself for your mistakes. Accept that nobody is perfect. You are valued by your family and friends because of who you are, not because you are faultless. Learn to forgive yourself and permit yourself to be imperfect.
Employ a growth mindset.
Try to see challenges and obstacles as opportunities to grow. Even when you fail, see it as a lesson learned. Also, learn from the mistakes of others, then you may be able to make fewer mistakes yourself. Fight negative thoughts with positive ones and stop seeking approval from others. You need to trust yourself.
Appreciate what you have.
Express gratitude and appreciate the little things. Gratitude can help us see that not everything is terrible, especially now when we are in social isolation. There are so many things to be grateful for, like the touch of the spring sun on your skin, a delicious meal you managed to prepare yourself, or a child’s laughter you can hear more often now. When you begin to turn more frequently towards the things you appreciate, the world will increasingly open to reveal that there are always some small things you can be grateful for.
Be mindful and meditate.
Try to be aware of each and every moment. Being mindful means that you are aware of your reactions and attitude to what is happening right here, right now. Mindfulness is simply letting the things that you can’t control be as they are. Start by bringing and practicing awareness in your daily activities or while you are waiting for something or someone. Bring attention to your breath and try to meditate. Doing meditation while focusing on your breath is a powerful tool.
Take a deep breath and do some yoga.
It teaches you to tune into your breath, to pay attention to bodily sensations, and to learn to accept reality as it is in that moment. Just 25 minutes a day can significantly improve brain function and energy levels. Also, daily yoga practice will help stretch and tone your body muscles.
Finally, accept yourself.
You are not perfect. And yes, you likely could have done better. But chances are, you did just fine. And often, that’s more than enough.
