While 2020 may finally be over, the coronavirus pandemic is far from it. Unfortunately, that means many of the same stressors of the previous year are still part of daily life. Though you cannot control the source of your stress during this difficult time, it is possible to nurture your mental health and ease some of your fear and anxiety. Practicing mindfulness can give you a new outlook under current circumstances, which in turn may help you spread positivity to the people you love.
Rethink Meditation
Practicing mindfulness is a form of meditation. However, many people limit their definition of meditation to a niche practice performed by Buddhist monks. But meditation is actually a common practice among many cultures, and it may look as simple as pausing to observe your surroundings.
To engage in mindfulness meditation, all you need to do is relax into a comfortable position with your body and focus on your breath. As different thoughts arise, acknowledge them but don’t stick with them—simply return to your breath and observe the sensations of your body and the thoughts that pass through your mind. As you get better at this practice, you can better control your reactions to external stress triggers.
Focus on Opportunities
Meditation is just one component of mindfulness. Mindfulness also involves allowing your existing perspective to change. If your immediate reaction to a situation is stress and worry, take a moment to consider different opportunities and outcomes. For example, the pandemic has limited our ability to socialize with friends and family in person, but it has also presented more chances to bond with our closest relatives at home.
Practicing mindfulness isn’t a change that will happen overnight, and you might benefit from some outside assistance in therapy. MeMD can help you deal with stress and anxiety through our teletherapy services available throughout the U.S.
