Beyond the coronavirus, there’s another kind of virus in the air: fear. But fear is a state of mind – which you can control; here are tips to help keep you fear-free.
—
The world is undergoing a challenging and scary time: closed borders, travel bans, quarantines, shortages of food and supplies, businesses closing, stock markets crashing, currencies devalued, and unbridled panic.
A panicked mind can’t see and think clearly.
This state of hysteria is magnified by social media and tv channels, and the reality that viruses don’t care about our status, money, or fame. Viruses can spread from state officials to famous actors because we are all potentially vulnerable to their impact.
Because of this virus, my family had to postpone our vacation. Oh, my — what a wake-up call to the many things I’ve been taking for granted. Good health. The food and the water supply. The shelter. The car. The Internet cable. For all this, I am truly thankful.
Amidst all this uncertainty, I know there are things I can’t control, no matter how much I might try. But there is one thing I can fully control: my inner world. When it comes to my thoughts, my actions and my emotions, I am in fully in charge. During this time of panic and fear, this is what I am doing to keep my family and myself safe and healthy; mind, body, and soul.
Nourish My Body
I make sure to eat well, take my vitamins, stay hydrated, keep my hands clean, move, and get enough sleep. I also try to minimize my stress because when stressed, you are not at ease which is, in itself, a dis-ease.
Take A Mind Shower
Besides keeping my hands clean, I try to take a mind shower. To be mindful is to realize your mind is full. What it is full of dictates my state of mind. Since the corona panic started, there is a vast fear-based repertoire of scenarios that have crept into my mind:
- What if we end up with no food? How am I going to feed my baby?
- What if I can’t see my family at all this year?
- What if my mother (who works in a hospital) gets sick?
- What if our savings get drained?
Such worries are normal. It’s all about being human. But I know that I can always choose which thoughts I allow to stay in my mind.
Before you go down your own “what if” rabbit hole, ask yourself: Is that true? How is this thought helping me right now? How would my life be right now if I let go of this thought? Hopefully you will realize that everything is an illusion, a possibility, and that your worries are not real. Despite what you might be fearing, you are not there yet. The only reality to count on is the old adage: Time will tell.
Observe My Emotions
I know I am not what I feel because feelings are transitory, they come and go. Sadness, anxiety, fear —they are not going to stay with me forever. I learned to detach myself from my emotions and witness them with no judgment by first not pretending that everything is fine when, in fact, it isn’t. Staying in denial is a trap.
To honestly acknowledge your emotions, try replacing “I am worried / anxious / afraid / sad / angry / confused / disappointed “ with “There is worry / anxiety / fear / sadness / anger / confusion / disappointment in me right now.“
Rather than allowing them to torment you, take control of your feelings. See how much lighter you feel when you release your energy-consuming emotions.
Stay Positive
There is much power in hope and faith. For starters, a positive mindset helps to boost your immune system with serotonin, the feel-good hormone.
I keep myself informed but stay away from negativity. I spend quality time with my family, without getting trapped in a cycle of toxic news. We listen to our favorite music. We play with our baby and watch some cartoons. We keep calm and prepare good tea to enjoy. We read uplifting books and fill our house with flowers and vivid colors. It’s the spring season; all endings are new beginnings. We also call our families and talk to our friends because during times of physical disconnection, staying emotionally connected is a true blessing.
I choose to live in an intelligent Universe where things happen for me, not to me. I pray and ask God to keep us safe from harm and injury. I pray for humanity and the ones carrying the virus and for their dear ones. I send thoughts of healing.
Focus On What I Am Learning
I find this to be a great time for reflection and healing. I also think every single experience is an opportunity for growth because I believe everything happens for a reason. As long as this crisis has been allowed by the Divine, it must come with a lesson, something we are going to understand later, once things calm down.
This could be a warning, a way to let go of the busyness of the modern society we live in — in order to learn how to do less and be more. To reconnect with our true, human nature by understanding what’s truly important. It could be a lesson about community, compassion, generosity, inclusion, collaboration, empathy, genuine care, unity, and coexisting without hunger, poverty, division, and wars. It could be that our planet is shifting paradigms, going from Fear to Love.
A big thank you to the medical staff all around the world, those doctors, nurses taking care of the sick, facing sleep deprivation, while most of us are currently stuck in the comfort of our homes. Being a human right now is not easy, but this, too, shall pass. In the meantime, let us nourish our minds with healthy thoughts as we take good care of ourselves and each other. Ultimately, it is time for us all to understand that We Are All One.
You may also enjoy reading Bright Lights, Covid City: Broadway in the Dark by Dan Lane Williams
Grab your free Accountability Cleanse PDF and the beautiful Best Self Newsletter to jumpstart your journey toward your most vibrant life. This quick-read eGuide from Kristen Noel, Editor-In-Chief, unpacks the #1 key to personal growth, to create a life of inner peace and holistic health. Enter your email below and we’ll send it right over!