Right now, the world feels suspended in a weird paradigm of nervous energy and slowing down. Every news channel report remains the same in expressing the situation as “fluid” and most people are going day by day, trying to sift through facts and misguided information. COVID-19 has resulted in many people working from home, children out of school, and essential workers overworked, stressed, and tired. GlobeIn recognizes how life has changed for many, and want to help. I have the privilege of sharing this post with you, using my own professional experience in the mental health field and GlobeIn’s platform to help our mavens who may be anxious, afraid, or stressed. We hope that this blog will help you find ways to find some stillness, peace, and relaxation in your new routine at home.
1. Deep breathing
Deep breathing works for many reasons when we are feeling anxious or overwhelmed. First, it allows you to slow your heartbeat, which helps your body not go into “flight or fight” mode, which can trigger anxiety attacks. Your body will not act in an anxious manner if you are breathing deeply because deep breathing means you are relaxed and tells your brain there is nothing to be alerted about. For the best effect, breathe slowly and fully in through your nose for five counts, hold for two, and breathe out through your mouth for four counts. Do this at least five times, or until you feel your heartbeat slow.
2. Meditation/Visualization
Visualization works by closing your eyes and thinking about something or somewhere peaceful. For many, they envision the beach, so we will use this as an example. You close your eyes and imagine you are on a warm, quiet beach. The waves are gently rolling in, lapping at the sand and rolling back out again. You can feel the warmth of the sun on your face, feel the sand between your toes, gritty and hot. You smell the salt air and feel a cool breeze on your face. Maybe you lay in a hammock between two palm trees and feel the back and forth, back and forth of rocking in the hammock. You rock back and forth, listening to gulls overhead and the waves crashing, feeling the warmth and stillness of the day.
Feel relaxed yet?
Listening to calming music while you practice visualization or meditation also increases focus. We have a Spotify playlist perfect for meditation and relaxation here.
3. Combine relaxation techniques
While you are doing your deep breathing, practice your visualization or meditation. Sometimes focusing on a mantra, Scripture, or phrase also brings calmness to your mind. Drinking some relaxing tea in your favorite mug, like jasmine or green tea also naturally enhances your hormone receptors that encourage calmness.
4. Journal
Journaling your thoughts, even fearful ones, helps get your emotions out and not keep them bottled inside. One way to do this is through “though dumping.” Everything that comes to your mind, you write down. Get all your thoughts on paper, and then go back and circle the ones you can control and write what you are going to do that day to work on what you can control. For example, we cannot control how long we will work at home, but we can control our schedules, routines, and thoughts about working from home (see tips below!). Gratitude journals remind us what we are thankful for, and all the good that is still occurring in the world.
5. Set up a new schedule
Because so many people are working from home, it is important to set up a new schedule. What you did as a daily routine at your workplace may not suit what you are able to do at home, especially if you and your significant other are both working, and/or you have children to take care of. Prioritize the most important things you need to accomplish for the day. Sit down with your partner and compare your schedules; who needs to be on calls/video conferences when? Can those be adjusted so you are not on at the same time? If possible, work your schedules so that while one is on a call, another can be attending to your children or pets.
If you are single or home alone, schedule in your break times, lunches, etc. so that you are not sitting for hours on end. Try to treat your work schedule at home the same way you would at work in regards to turning off notifications, etc. And remember to “clock out” for the day; when you are done with work hours, be done with work hours. Transition back into your pajamas, wash your face, or do something that helps you transition into “home” you so that you can shut off your work brain and focus on what needs to be done at home. In the same regard, do not do what needs to be done around the house during work hours. This will only make you feel distracted and like you are not getting things done.
Another tip is to set up a designated workspace if you can. This will help with distractions, and with a few simple accessories, you will feel more organized and ready to start your workday.
6. Gardening
Now is a great time to put your green thumb to use! Gardening has been shown to decrease anxiety and help relieve stress because you are working it out in a physical way, much like exercising. Dirt also has been shown to boost the immune system and promote a healthy gut- all which reduces stress and keeps you healthy!
7. Cooking
Not everyone likes cooking, but for others, there is something therapeutic when it comes to the kitchen. Instead of reaching for a microwave meal, research simple recipes you can make from scratch with immune-boosting spices, like cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger. Use your favorite mixing bowls and platters that are pretty and cheerful to inspire you to get in the kitchen. Check out some of our previous blogs for recipe inspirations, or join the Maven’s group on Facebook to find more recipes inspired by our artisans and goods!
8. Self-Care
Even though your schedule may be different, it is still important to practice self-care while working at home. This can be remembering to take breaks, reading a book, having a nap, or taking a nice long bath or using a moisturizing face mask. Remember to take care of yourself!
We hope that these tips help you, and if you have any other ideas that have worked for you, please share them below. We love to hear from the community and want to use this blog as a place to brainstorm ideas and encourage one another. Stay safe, stay healthy, and know that the team at GlobeIn is here for you!
Written by Laura Beiler, GlobeIn Maven
Laura Beiler resides i
n Virginia with her husband and four children. She enjoys writing and is an avid reader, as well as one who tries to raise as much awareness as possible about ethical brands and causes, while building community with those who are of the same mind. She thoroughly believes deep conversations happen around a dining room table, especially when coffee and dessert are involved.
