Sprint done, now get ready for Marathon COVID 2.0

The spread of COVID-19 has made all of us staring at a very difficult, stressful and uncertain times. This pandemic has made everyone anxious, panicky and some of the necessary measures like lockdown and social distancing have made people feel isolated, lonely and has increased their stress. While many things remain outside our control, but our mindset is key to coping with these difficult circumstances. Facing the unknowns and we are left with no choice other than to live in the present moment, take one day at a time. While IQ is in general recognized by all, this pandemic is giving us a tour and test on our EQ, AQ. Yes, one need to be aware of these dimensions and how important they are for our sanity, sustenance and survival!

How Mindfulness can Help Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic:

Recent times mindfulness has got enough attention, as this is a key ingredient of self aware, surrounding aware mode that contributes to owns own poise. Mindfulness refers to our ability to live in the present moment, experience everything in an objective, relaxed and nonjudgmental way. In doing so, we learn to collaborate with our lives and be with our experiences, rather than resisting or fighting them. This is not giving up rather, it is being able live without being in denial, bogged or overwhelmed. Being mindful is not a new ability which we need to develop as we all have been mindful at some point in our life. But current situation expects us to crystallize this facet of ours more to stay safe & sane!

Benefits of Mindfulness

• Health: Studies have shown that regular practice of mindfulness helps in managing anxiety and reducing stress. Along with standard medical and psychological treatments, mindfulness can relieve pain and symptoms of numerous health conditions such as high blood pressure, depression, and possibly even certain addictions.

• Cognitive and Emotional Regulation: Mindfulness improves focus, memory, and problem solving skills. Regular mindfulness practice improves the brain’s capacity for decision making and emotional regulation.

• Happiness: Mindfulness allows us to easily tune in to pleasant experiences that are always present even during a pandemic like family, love, laughter, blooming flowers, blue skies, etc. Similar to mountain climbing or any adventure sports, when faced with uncertainties, it is always helpful to focus on where we want to go rather than thinking of the potential dangers.

How to Boost your Mental Resilience during the COVID-19 Crisis:

In the recent days, if you feel your emotions are all over the place, feel fragmented, certainly you are not alone. In the current pandemic situation, people have been feeling anxious, stressed, confused, worried, sad, and even a little lost for small or extended periods. Feeling so many emotions, and sometimes a multiple of them at once can take a huge toll on your mental health. Usually this stems from the “fear of unknown”, as if we are amidst a thick forest with no path or directions present.

To cope with such evolving situations, one needs to remain mentally resilient and here are some ways how one could maintain resilience during a pandemic.

• Acceptance

There is no use of denying or hiding your emotions because that will make it hard to cope up with your daily life. Instead, accepting them will give a better understanding of yourself and your needs.

• Belief System

It’s been proven that having faith on a superior entity can actually be great for your health. So while things may seem worrisome, don’t give up on your belief system and continue to have faith. If religious or spiritual activities bring you comfort, you should continue to set aside some time for them.

• Lean on your Loved Ones

Everyone needs a helping hand and during these uncertain times, it can even be very often. There is no shame in reaching out to a friend or a family member if you need help, someone to listen or a shoulder to cry. Seeking assistance requires strength – this will help build up your resilience over time.

• Problem solving

There are so many things which we are worried about that aren’t really in our hands. But there are also some that can be fixed. So instead of only thinking about the issues which are not in your hand, go ahead and try to fix what you can.

• Find your purpose

There is no time like the present to work on your personal growth. Take some time to reflect on who and where you are in life, things you would like to do in the future, if and how you can give back to your community. You don’t have to start acting on it immediately but it’s good to know which direction you want to grow in.

Conclusion:

A Vedic monk once said, whenever there’s any major change that happens in our life, we naturally experience uncertainty, or unease, or anxiety or pain. But humans are built with enough strength to return to the their true nature – as happy beings! The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about so far and will continue to rain a myriad of changes in our lives, from jobs, to relationships, financial stability and health. We just managed “get thru sprint but we are expected to be preparing for a marathon!“. While we can’t change the global uncertainty, we surely can take small steps each day to practice mindfulness and build our mental resilience, which will help us to navigate through this crisis as well as any future adversity. Sun is shining bright everyday, without fail… For now- “All is well! “. Staying mindfully – serendipity may even help stumble on your ikigai!!

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