For most, lifestyles have changed rapidly over the past few months. Remote work from home, social distancing and video chats have become a part of the "new normal." As humans, it's naturally difficult to deal with rapid change and distancing from family and friends.
Unforeseen circumstances can leave you feeling tense, vulnerable, and off-balance. You are not alone. With much uncertainty, it's normal to feel more emotional and stressed than usual. Fortunately, practicing mindfulness can help you to maintain a more positive outlook during tense times. Below is a valuable approach to finding peace of mind.
Assess What You Can Control
There are thousands of potential causes of stress. Some are realistic and others irrational. Many people don't realize how many irrational fears they have on a daily basis...
By documenting your thoughts in writing, you can identify which factors you are able to control. You'd be surprised how many little things are weighing on your subconscious. Organize your thoughts, planning to make all the life changes that are in your control.
This can be anything as small as cleaning up a messy kitchen, or as large as taking on a new career path. Organizing your thoughts in a concise and consistent manner can help lead you on the path to self-enlightenment.
Accept What You Cannot Control
There are some things that are simply out of our hands. It can be difficult at times to realize this. When sorting through your thoughts, identify which anxieties are not controllable. Remind yourself that you cannot waste your energy on such thoughts, and they may slowly dissolve over time.
Challenge Negative Thoughts
Stress has a way of accumulating if you let it. A single bad thought can build off another, leading to one big cloud of anxiety. You must actively stay attuned to your fears, challenging those that hold no weight.
Positive affirmations and self-gratitude are great ways to promote confidence and a good feeling. By replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, you will notice the weight on your shoulders slowly being lifted.
Practice Soulful Habits
It's been proven that idle minds are more prone to stress. By filling your routine with productive and fulfilling habits, you can conquer it. Below are a few soulful habits that can help you unwind.
Aromatherapy:
Aromatherapy is the practice of using
Essential Oils to uplift your mind, body, and spirit. There are so many unique scents and blends that evoke different feelings to an individual.
New to this holistic practice? Find
Books and
Starter Kits that will help you begin your journey.
Holistic Nutrition:
Holistic Nutrition is the practice of adding nutritious foods and supplements to your routine. This typically involves lots of fruits and vegetables,
Nuts & Seeds, and various
Herbs.
Furthermore, strong holistic practices involve unrefined, unprocessed,
Organic, and locally sourced foods and products. You'll notice a huge difference in your outlook upon improving your diet and nutrition habits.
Mindful Breathing:
The best way to physically control yourself during stressful times is with breathing. Find your favorite meditation video or app and Zen out when you feel like you're overworked or overwhelmed.
Without electronics, practice alone and take deep breaths maintaining good posture. Strong air flow can do wonders for your mind and body.
Daily Yoga:
Yogis know how much this craft helps support their physical and emotional well-being. Yoga uses a seamless flow of creative movement to connect the body and mind. Bikram, Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga are just a few of the major types to get started with. Today, there are many ways to stream virtual yoga classes online.
Creative Outlets:
Everybody has a creative side to them. The challenge lies in finding your hidden talents. Whether it be performing music, writing, painting or making clay pots, these creative outlets will help you grow as a person. Growth is important for adapting to stress and change.
Reiki Therapy:
Reiki is a Japanese form of alternative therapy that helps you discover your current energy and aura. You can learn about your different areas of tension and how to dispel them with soothing techniques. Similar practices use crystals and chakra stones for a soul-searching experience.