Actors leave their problems at the door when they come to the stage to perform, but when they can no longer leave these problems aside, this poses a conundrum…
Surrender – It’s no longer your day, it’s our day. The time is no more yours alone. But how exactly do we surrender? This article offers suggestions to consider for allowing things to happen in a natural flow with less upset.
Be Present– Live in the moment. Be patient with what is happening rather than fighting against the current pace. The normal pace for getting things done has been suspended so it is futile to force things to happen in their usual time frame.
Patience – breathe and exhale. Patience – breathe and exhale. Patience – breathe and exhale again and again and again. And be thankful that you are able to breathe.
Flow and Communication – Be sure to be clear as to what your schedule is with those you live with. Explain when you will be in meetings and when they will end and when your deadlines are to alleviate stress. Normally, these are individual time management tasks, but now that your work environment has expanded, those living with you need to be included in your plans and you need to be included in theirs. Remembering that our behaviors and actions have consequences can help to remind us to think twice before we speak and to be clear in what we say. This will allow flow in your environment to happen which will create success for all!
Meditate – Clearing one’s mind can be done in small steps. You could visualize breathing from one body part at a time and exhaling the stress out from that particular area. You could contemplate one word, such as “joy,” and allow your thoughts to come and go like a cloud passing by. Another idea is to use an app, such as “Headspace” to support you. The American Psychological Association associates mindfulness with alleviating levels of anxiety, depression, rumination, eating disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse.
Exercise will boost your immune system and your mood. Our mental health and our physiological health are interdependent with one another. By taking care of our bodies, we take care of our minds and vice versa. Living from a positive mental framework sets us up for success at the cellular level. Movement is a time investment for yourself now and for your future you. You could walk around your apartment, do sit ups, push-ups, run in place, aerobics, yoga, Pilates, or try online classes as a way to get going. Inspiring your movement is uniquely individual so finding something that you enjoy doing is the key.
Moderate your intake of liquor, food, and coffee. Consider balancing out your intake with healthy alternatives that provide crunchy, salty, sugary cravings with spices that give in to those cravings without the unnecessary downside. This will help your body to remain healthy, your mood to remain in balance, and for your sleep to remain consistent.
Community – Reach out to your extended family and friends by calling, using social media, and writing letters. This will allow you to deepen your community and help you to stay connected in a positive way. Belonging is essential for motivation and meaning. Additionally, sharing with others reduces the effects of stress and trauma. Our lives have undeniably been altered, but this can be an opportunity for expanding our communities and enriching our life’s purpose.
Joy – Take a little time for you. Laugh, watch something funny, read, write, paint, listen to music. Do something that truly makes you happy.