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As COVID-19 continues to make its way into major cities and small suburbs across the nation, it\u2019s becoming increasingly more difficult for people to remain calm and focused.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Where I live we have been told by authorities to restrict our movement in order to prevent spread, but that does not mean that we should go crazy inside and solely focus our attention on what is happening with world outside. Try to limit how much news you watch, especially some of the overhyped reporting that only propagates fear and anxiety. First and foremost, get updates and facts from really trustworthy and reliable sources, and then focus your attention elsewhere.\u00a0<\/p>\n
You can avoid contact with other people and wash your hands more carefully, but\u00a0your ability to remain calm comes from within.\u00a0<\/strong>That means you\u2019ll have to take the necessary steps in reducing your stress and anxiety and promoting calmness while the virus runs its course.\u00a0<\/p>\n We\u2019re going to go over three of the best ways that you can stay calm and centered in times of COVID-19 panic!<\/p>\n So, you\u2019re anxious and stressed as a result of the rapid spread of Coronavirus. If you\u2019ve never attempted meditation or any mindfulness techniques in the past, this is the perfect time to try them out and get some practice under your belt.<\/p>\n According to the HeartMath Institute heart focused breathing can play a huge role in helping you to maintain your mental and emotional health, even benefiting aspects of your physical health. Here\u2019s what it can do for you.<\/p>\n \u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Greater outlook on life (positivity)<\/p>\n \u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Increased feelings of calmness<\/p>\n \u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Greater self-awareness<\/p>\n \u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Reduced levels of anxiety and stress.<\/p>\n \u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Improved focus<\/p>\n The best part is<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy to get started and the benefits can be measured.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re able to focus for longer periods of time, you might want to try out guided meditations or visualization techniques. When you\u2019re looking to stay more active while you\u2019re quarantined, you can give yoga, Pilates or many of the HIIT workouts available through YouTube a go! I\u2019m a fan of The Body Coach who seems to have the right approach for me<\/p>\n You might be stuck in the house for the next few weeks, but that doesn\u2019t mean you have to resort to going stir crazy. In fact, that\u2019ll probably only increase your feelings of panic during such trying times!<\/p>\n This is a great time to try out some new (or old) creative hobbies. When you\u2019re focused on building or creating something new, you\u2019re reducing the amount of focus on the negativity surrounding you. That means creativity is a solid way of helping you to relax.<\/p>\n A creative outlet can be almost anything. Here are a few things you might want to try out (if you have the supplies in your home).<\/strong><\/p>\n \u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Painting, coloring, or drawing<\/p>\n \u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Singing or playing musical instruments<\/p>\n \u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Taking photos or videos of things you enjoy<\/p>\n \u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Building something with things lying around the house<\/p>\n \u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Writing<\/p>\n \u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Puzzles\u00a0<\/p>\n \u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Reading something and then writing an essay about it (yes, remember English 101 class?). This is a great way to take your mind off the world\u2019s troubles.<\/p>\n Basically, the goal here is to find an activity or task that requires an intense amount of focus and makes you happy. You won\u2019t even notice that you spent the last hour drawing your favorite cartoon character.<\/p>\n It\u2019s completely natural to be fearful of the unknown but giving back to others can help you to tackle this fear once and for all. When you\u2019re giving back to the community or helping those in need, you\u2019ll be working to spread compassion and happiness rather than fear and anxiety.<\/p>\n With so many people sick or self-quarantined, most people aren\u2019t permitted to leave the home. However, these individuals do still have needs that they now can\u2019t meet on their own.<\/p>\n As long as you\u2019re keeping your distance and not exposing anyone to the virus, you can deliver food and groceries or do things like their yard work. It\u2019ll make you feel good about yourself while also helping those who need it! So, call your neighbors, post something on your Facebook to let those in need know you are available and how to get in contact.<\/p>\n You can\u2019t do anything yourself when it comes to curing or stopping the spread of COVID-19, but there are things you can do that can reduce your panic and invoke an overwhelming sense of calmness.<\/p>\n By taking advantage of mindfulness, looking for a creative outlet, and even giving back to those who need it, you\u2019ll be able to stay calm and centered, even now!<\/p>\nMeditation & Mindfulness<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Finding a Creative Outlet<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Giving Back & Helping Others<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n