Coping With Covid-Related Stress

 

There’s no doubt that covid has caused many of us to feel more stressed due to

anxiety, fear and feeling guilty about many things even if they are beyond our control.  Some people experience a loss of self-worth or actual physical pain like headaches, chest pains, skin problems and so on.  People around you may be causing more emotional distress through their actions or comments without realizing it; some of the life-style changes that we have all lived through the past year and a half may now be beginning to take a toll. You are not alone and covid will not be with us forever.

The key to dealing successfully with stressful situations starts with the acceptance that most stress comes from the mind and the way our mind reacts to these various stress catalysts.  Know that YOU are in charge and have control over your mind and reactions.  It’s important to be aware of when you begin to lose control so that you can slow down your reaction to the circumstances or people that are causing you stress.

Feel abdomen expand as you breathe

You can also try some physical relaxation methods like the following:  Lie on your back and put your feet up and feel the blood rushing to your head.  Next, lie completely flat on the floor and then flex and release every part of your body.  Start with your feet and move on up through your legs to your face and finally the scalp.  Relax as you feel the release of tension. 

While you are on your back, slowly breathe in through your nostrils.  Feel your abdomen expand like a balloon, then slowly breathe out through the mouth as your abdomen flattens.  Visualize fresh, energizing chi flowing in and the stagnant stress-induced chi flowing out. Tune in to the invisible channels within you and imagine the fresh transparent chi as white light flowing down from your head into your body, purifying you mentally as you begin to experience a lightness throughout your body. 

Remember that the power of your breath is your invisible inner energy and that it is always available to you.

Love

Lillian