Is this the new normal? Adults waking up only to travel to the room next door to work online. Kids and teenagers, some still lying in their beds, while others are struggling but still trying to get up to attend their online classes. All of us having to wear gloves, face masks and carry sanitizers every time we step out. Cleaning every package that comes into our house, every fruit, and every vegetable as well to avoid germs. Having to socially distance ourselves from our friends and loved ones, even if it means not seeing them for weeks. This dramatic change in our lives is one that we have never experienced before. Day by day we have to adapt to the new circumstances. So how do we cope? How do we remain physically, mentally and emotionally healthy?
A few times a day, I find myself just sitting on a chair, not doing anything, but just thinking about life and what the future holds. Uncertainty. I have concluded that the future holds uncertainty. But then I began to realize, thinking like this was only causing me more harm. We are all so used to living active and social lives, so isolating ourselves from everyone is not that easy. But what really helps to cope with this new change is meditation, reading and painting. Or any other activity that distracts you from the world, and make you focus on one thing, which is your present life.
Watching youtube tutorials, or searching up meditation practices, will put you at ease. Speaking from personal experience, meditation has not only improved my health, both mentally and emotionally, but it relieves me from all the daily stress that builds up. Taking a few minutes out of our day to just sit in an open, but quiet space and to focus on ourselves teaches us how to be more gentle and happier. Focusing on each and every breathe we take, thinking about what makes us happier, and thinking about the present moment, makes us feel more alive. Meditation requires patience which calms us, and gives us a break from all the chaos going on around us.
Speaking about activities that distract us from everything that is going on, reading a book or painting can be extremely useful. With so much going on around us, it is important to take a break, to escape and to forget about all those thoughts that are eating you up inside. Sitting in a quiet space, and reading a book can be therapeutic. It calms you down and entertains you with a short story. Similarly, painting does the same. It gives you a break to just focus on your artwork and express how you’re feeling. Focusing on the little details when painting improves your patience and can be stress relieving.
One day at a time, we have to learn, adapt to and accept the new changes that are happening in our lives. Dealing with all this will not always be easy, and being stuck at home does not make things any better. Finding activities that put you at ease, make you feel peaceful and calm, is what you need. Making these activities a daily habit of yours will improve your health in general, it’ll make you feel happier and less stressed.
