It’s 2020. We’re unable to leave our house, we’re distancing ourselves from friends and family, we’re afraid of getting sick, we’re affected by a pandemic health crisis. This is our current reality. However, rather than focusing on the negatives of the situation, it’s important to shift your attention to the positives that can come out of self-isolation.
- Your health is the MOST important thing
Without your health, you have nothing. Without good health, you can’t be a good mother, daughter, friend, sister, colleague, mentor, employee. Your health is the most important thing in your life and COVID-19 has brought that to the forefront of our collective understanding. Obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyle and malnutrition all increase your risk of developing disease and prevent your ability to fight infection. These are preventable, lifestyle-related conditions. Focus on your health now and always to live a long, happy life.
- Social connection is integral
Our relationships with others is the thread that sews society together. We need social connection, it’s part of the human condition. Without relationships with others we are lonely, isolated, depressed. This is why there has been a spike of mental health conditions and suicide during quarantine. Self-isolation is reminding us how important our friends and family are and helping us learn how to foster these precious relationships. It takes courage to recognize that you need help, and even more to ask loved ones for support. Cedarwood essential oil is the Oil of Community, Connection and Optimism. Cedarwood supports individuals in seeing they are not alone; life is a shared experience.
- We take so much for granted
Having a job is a privilege, having a car to drive to the grocery store is a privilege, having friends is a privilege, having good health is a privilege. We take so much for granted in our daily lives prior to COVID-19, and we are now realizing the importance of gratitude, awareness and appreciation for all that we have. It took 9/11 to shift our appreciation for life. It has taken a pandemic to make us aware and appreciate our health and our planet’s health. Brene’ Brown said it perfectly, “We’re a nation hungry for more joy: Because we’re starving from a lack of gratitude.”
- Hobbies are important
If you’ve lost your job or your workload has rapidly decreased, you’ve done one of two things: a) spent more time on your hobbies, or b) got really bored. Having hobbies and knowing what brings you enjoyment is critical during quarantine, but also in normal life. Being able to get into flow state can help to alleviate stress and low moods, helping you to have fun and feel aligned to your purpose.
- The benefit of staying grounded
It’s easy to wind yourself up into a state of panic and fear during coronavirus but staying grounded is key. Many people are in a state of panic and anxiety. Respiratory health begins by breathing low, slow, deep diaphragmatic and softly through the nose. Your nose is the first defense for your lungs. You can do this by practicing breathing techniques like Buteyko breathing exercise called, Many Breath Holds for a panic attack or hyperventilation. Take a normal breath in and normal breath out through your nose, pinch your nose, hold your breath for 5,4,3,2,1 and release and breathe normally for 10 seconds. Repeat for 10 minutes unitl your panic attack dissipates. It is easier to quiet the breath than it is to quiet the mind. You can stimulate your senses using essential oils, practicing spirituality and using manifestation and visualization. Remind yourself that this too shall pass. “Stress is a choice, so is peace.” -Unknown
We are going through a period of turbulence, but we will get through it, together. Use this time for good; work on yourself, get deeper with your purpose, foster social connections, give back to others and you’ll find that self-isolation isn’t so bad. Every grey cloud has a silver lining. “Change is hard at first, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end.” – Robin Sharma