So now we have been dealing with COVID for seven months or more, you are probably not looking forward to winter and your options for staying sane. Having a presidential election in the next few weeks which looks to be a conflictual time, is just another stress which some of you may be anticipating. Many of my clients are doing double duty as workers. teachers and parents. Others are wondering how to pay their rent. So how to stay grounded in this challenging time?
I thought it might be helpful to gather a few resources for you, even though this wonderful Indian summer seems to be going on and on…the time to stay warm and inside is inevitably coming up!
A dear colleague recently mentioned a book that has fired her interest and helps her in her coaching profession. I thought that sharing the principles of this might be helpful in your daily life. The book “Are you Fully Charged?” by Tom Rath, describes the research he has done around finding what helps people improve their daily experience. He talks about three keys- 1. Meaning (do something that benefits another person, which he says is more rewarding than the pursuit of personal happiness) 2. Interaction; create more positive than negative experiences 3. Energy; make choices that improve your physical and mental health. This parallels what Dialectical Behavior Therapy says about Emotion Regulation and ‘building a life worth living”, its mission statement.
Just a few ideas here…I know it is harder to do for others when we have so little personal contact with folks, but it can be as simple as offering to pick up a few groceries for a senior neighbor. Simply listening quietly (without problem-solving) to someone who lives alone can be a great gift.
With Interaction: I read this as interacting with yourself as well as others. Having a quiet time every morning/evening to listen to your own physical and emotional needs is invaluable. Building a small routine like some prayer or meditation or a mind/body practice is so necessary to calm your overloaded nervous system; contact www.centeringprayer.net or T’aichifoundation.org, (free classes online). Or yoga online, for instance at www.63rdstreetyoga.com. There are a number of great Apps, often free that can guide you; try https://www.oprahmag.com/life/health/g29861798/best-meditation-apps/
How about accessing a very popular series www.thegreatcoursesplus.com which has a free trial period for learning everything from guitar or drawing, to Spanish language or chess, all from the great masters.
As for building one’s energy, as a mind/body therapist, I’m for maintaining your health in as direct and simple ways as possible. Going for a walk in this wonderful Colorado is pretty well always possible even in winter. Eating well ( warm cooked homemade food is best), contacting loved ones or taking a risk to reach out to new folks, and limiting incoming social media or political ‘spin’ can benefit your nervous system health.
There are so many resources to investigate, and with the help of the Internet and so many free classes these days, it’s time to gather ideas for what you need for the months ahead.
Leave A Comment