Because we all need to mind ourselves these days.
It's been a tough couple of days.
We're bombarded with information regarding coronavirus and the news reports at the moment might make you feel more anxious and uneasy. That, coupled with the fact that we're all self-isolating right now, it's normal to feel a little more lonely.
With that in mind, now might be as good as time as ever to try some mindfulness. Here's some habits you can try out and incorporate into your daily life:
1. Try some meditation
Meditation is all about bringing yourself into the present moment and turning your attention inward. This is an amazing habit that we can all benefit from, especially right now. Even a few minutes each day can develop a sense of calm, relaxing your mental state and making you feel more grounded.
You don't need any fancy apps or programs to meditate, simply focus on your thoughts. Sit comfortably and observe your thoughts as they come and go. There is no right or wrong way to do this. To help you focus, concentrate on your breathing and listen acutely to yourself inhaling and exhaling.
If you're new to meditation, here's a 3 minute video to help get you started:
2. Mindful Movement
Anxiety can be very damaging to our mental health, but it can also manifest in the body too. If you’re feeling worried, it's natural for your shoulders or your neck to feel a little tighter and more tense than usual.
Simply adding a little bit of movement into your daily schedule can help alleviate this tension. Something as simple as getting out for a 10 minute walk everyday will instantly give you a boost. There are also plenty of yoga videos online that you can practice in your home to stretch out some of the tension in your body. Here's one to kick you off:
3. Gratitude
It sounds so simple but just remembering what you're grateful for can have a profound effect on your mental health. Every day, try and think of five things that you're grateful for that moment. This can be anything big or small, like your morning coffee in your favourite mug, seeing the sun shining, or a phone call with a loved one. Focusing on the positive things in life can gradually help shift your outlook.
4. Get journaling
If you’re feeling a certain way, write it down. Nobody else feels the true weight of our thoughts other than us. The simple action of getting things down on paper can immediately help you to process your thoughts a little better.
Want to give it a go?
Get a blank page and write at the top of it; 'How do I feel?' Then see what comes next. Don't be surprised if you immediately get stuck or get a kind of 'writers block'. Before you know it with practice, the writing and journaling will flow naturally.
5. Spark some creativity
Nothing beats losing yourself in a creative activity and forgetting about the world, even it's just for 10 minutes. You may have a colouring book laying around the house, or a jigsaw or sudoku book. Whatever works for you, immerse yourself in a mindful activity and set your inner-child free!
