Many of us are adjusting to new stresses in our lives as we have transitioned out of the active world and into a digital realm. School has moved out of the classroom to an online environment and a significant amount of office work is being done over video and audio chat. Telehealth has become the new normal and in higher demand than ever before. Life as we know it has become centered around what we can do without leaving our homes.
The transition and worry in our lives is stressful and hard to navigate, especially when things are out of our control. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by these sudden changes, check out a few quick tips from one of our wellness experts on how to practice mindfulness and stress reduction in your everyday life.
Press Pause: A Mindful Moment to Change Your Day
We are all pulled in different directions, and we sometimes forget to consider our own needs. Stop what you are doing and check in with yourself. Assess- “What do I need right now?”
You know the saying when you are on a plane, “Please put on your own mask before helping others.” To be effective at taking care of others, you must care for yourself.
Think about what your personal needs are each day – maybe it’s a walk alone, a quiet bath or a moment to take a deep breath. Whatever it is that you need- make it priority. It’s essential for your mental health!
Stay Productive: Make Your To-Do List Daily
This seems like a simple activity. Defining goals daily can have a productive impact on your day and allow you to practice mindfulness. Pulling together a stable routine will help your world feel a bit more stable in these times of sudden change.
To do this, use a divide-and-conquer approach. Divide the day up with specific actions: times to catch up on work or school, self-care, breaks, lunches and when to really lean into your work. You can use a day planner or a mobile app to better plan your day – take some time today to find out which one is best for you.
Staying Social During Social Distancing
Don’t forget to ask your friends and coworkers what their new routines look like and what their best practices for mindfulness are. Exchanging tips and tricks with your trusted circle can foster a sense of connection and can get you practicing new ideas in these days of change.
