Do you have pandemic fatigue? Wishing things could be different? Wondering when this pandemic is going to end?
You are not alone. Just as things start to feel a bit normal, a new variant arises. Whether we like it or not, we have to adapt. Adapting is not always easy. Here are some tips to help you feel grounded and live mindfully during the pandemic.
#1 Feel Your Breath
The breath - it is with us wherever we are. It is like an anchor helping us tune into our physical body, helping our mind to focus on the present moment. If you are feeling drained, frustrated, annoyed, tired, whatever it may be - feel your breath. Count five breaths. Counting breaths is a helpful tool for grounding and inviting calm to the body.
#2 Take a Nature Pause
Nature is calming, soothing and grounding. Take a moment or many moments to simply pause and notice what is outside. Look at a tree, a blade of grass, the dirt on the ground. Focus your mind on the nature you see. Do this by noticing specific elements of it: the color, shape, texture, how the light hits it.
#3 Practice Being Present
Are you wondering, when will things be better? How much longer? When things are uncomfortable in the present, we tend to focus on things being different in the future. Instead, try focusing on the present moment. What is happening right now? How do you feel? What beauty is in this moment? Focus your mind on what is happening around you. By focusing on "now", this can help us feel more grounded. Who doesn't want more grounded feeling?
#4 Plan something fun
Do you remember at the beginning of the pandemic, many had zoom parties and other ways of connecting with friends and family. How can you create something fun to connect with others? Plan a weekly check-in with a friend to share a positive moment in your week. Or a virtual party or coffee date. Get creative and plan something fun. And while you are at, maybe dress up for it too!
#5 Smile
Here's some fun research findings! The physical act of smiling not only creates internal positive feelings but also helps us to see life and the world around us in a more positive way. [source] You can smile at yourself in the mirror, smile under your mask or smile at the birds outside. Just start smiling!
#6 Practice Gratitude
People are working long hours, or might be sick. Some are tired. There is a lot we are all dealing with. In these times it might feel more difficult to be positive and grateful but it is can also be more helpful to you. Write down three things that happened in your life because of the pandemic that you are grateful for.