Stress relief during the time of COVID-19 can be hard to find. Many of us feel the pressures of working during a pandemic, finding safe childcare options, isolating, and staying healthy, and it can be a challenge to overcome the negative feelings associated with that stress. Anxiety and depression can also play a role, and it can be frustrating to seek relief for mental health issues during this time due to reduced office hours and restrictions set by health professionals.
Fortunately, meditation can help you create a calm center in your life even during a hectic, stressful time. Start by seeking guidance on how to find balance from an experienced source, such as Matt O’Grady Coaching. Then, think about how you can work meditation and mindfulness into your daily routine, which can help you focus on what’s most important.
Learn more about the practice.
Many people aren’t sure what meditation entails or how it works, so it’s a good idea to read up on the practice and learn more about how it can help you. The benefits are numerous for both physical and mental health. When used on its own, it’s been shown to help lessen anxiety and stress. When practiced with yoga, it can help restore balance to the mind and body, proving to be invaluable for those who have trouble sleeping. If you’ve never tried yoga before, don’t be discouraged! There are plenty of simple poses for beginners that will ease you into a routine.
Dedicate a calm space in your home.
For many people, home is their entire world at the moment as COVID-19 keeps them indoors. If you’ve spent a lot of time inside your house recently, it’s important to clean and declutter before you begin a meditation routine. This makes it much easier to clear your mind and open yourself up to the possibilities of meditation, and it also helps to get rid of negative energy. Open the windows on nice days to air things out, and get rid of any items around the house that aren’t useful anymore.
Once you’ve done that, you can dedicate a calm area just for meditation and yoga. It should be in a quiet space, away from the main flow of the house, and should have enough room for you to sit or lie comfortably and to practice yoga poses. Scented candles, incense, and calming music can help you relax, and the lighting should be comfortable. Invest in a yoga mat or a cushy pillow to provide support while you’re in a meditation position.
Learn how to meditate anywhere.
Once you get comfortable with a meditation routine, consider adopting a five-minute method that you can do anywhere. Sit quietly during your lunch break at work and clear your mind, or practice mindfulness techniques while you’re waiting for an oil change. There are many ways to meditate and focus on being present — you can even get your company involved by helping them to learn about gratitude as a team. As a gratitude coach, Matt can guide you and your coworkers through corporate gratitude lessons that will help boost morale and productivity.
It can be difficult to focus on your needs when there’s so much going on in your life, but it’s crucial to take steps to protect your mental health during this uncertain time. Meditation is a simple way to boost your confidence and mood, and once you get the hang of it, you can learn to perform the practice just about anywhere. Try it in conjunction with yoga to see even more positive results where your mind and body are concerned. And for more help in making meditation and gratitude a part of your every day, see how you can work with Matt.
