We are running through uncharted territory. Our business and personal lives have taken a drastic and sudden turn. We are no longer operating with the same resources as before. Rather than give up and throw in the towel, I've developed 5 tips for keeping your zen through a public health crisis.
1. Meditation. I can't stress this one enough. Being mindful of your thoughts and not letting your imagination run wild (for the worse) is one of the best ways to stay present and calm. Most experts say 5-10 minutes per day is usually enough to receive some of the most fruitful benefits of meditation. If you need help getting started, check out some of these apps in your device's app store: Calm, 10% Happier, and Insight Timer. These applications will help guide you through how to meditate and even help you with expert-led meditations that keep you interested and coming back for more.
2. Exercise. This one comes in lots of forms so find what works best for you. Thirty minutes of full-body exercise, 20 minutes of yoga, or even a walk around the block will help you get your endorphins up and into a space where you are naturally feeling better. Check out some of these resources for some great options: Yoga with Adriene via YouTube, Nike Training Club app in your device's app store, walking in your neighborhood while practicing social distancing.
3. Tidy up your place. We spend a lot of time at home and we often don't realize the power a clean home can have on our mood. Spend a day over the weekend or spread it out over the week (one hour per night) cleaning your home and creating a safe and inviting space for you and your family to enjoy.
4. Communicate. Keep in touch with friends and family at least several times a week. The energy of others can help us lift our moods and temporarily forget about the troubles we might be experiencing mentally. Our friends and family are the best medicine for helping us achieve this.
5. Candles. If you're not a candle person, you can move along, but for me, having a few candles lit around the house both during the day and especially as I wind-down in the evening, helps my mood drastically. I often feel like I'm in a spa or some sort of sacred place that is omitting a light glow and a beautiful fragrance.