1. Mindfulness helps calms uncertainty
We are living in unprecedented times and no one knows when COVID-19 will go away and if it is possible to get rid of it completely.
The way we live has changed dramatically and “going back to normal” might not be an option anytime soon.
Every time we leave our homes, we risk contracting COVID-19. So, we have to take precautions. But there are still feelings of uncertainty.
Right now it’s normal to have a lot more What If thoughts.
The tough part is, there is nothing we can do about it. We have no control about these circumstances. But, what we do have control over are the power we give to our thoughts.
Mindfulness can help us become objective observers of our thoughts and teach our minds to allow thoughts to exist, but not to allow thoughts to impact our emotions/moods/behaviours.
2. Mindfulness can help you sleep
When anxiety is high and our normal coping mechanisms (going out with friends, going to the gym, spending time with family) are no longer available, sleep can become difficult. Add additional stressors of job insecurity, caretaking and education children and caretaking for other family members – it can feel overwhelming. It’s normal for our minds to ruminate when the world becomes quiet (i.e. at night).
Nighttime is our time to process our day. But if the processing becomes too overwhelming, sleep can therefore suffer.
Mindfulness can help us let go of unhelpful thoughts, relax our bodies, calm our nerves through deep breathing and allow us to sleep easier.
At a time like this, we need quality sleep now more than ever. Without sleep, our anxiety and depression can worsen.
3. Mindfulness Eating Can Help Maintain Your Weight
When stress and anxiety is high, it is common to undereat or overeat. This is a maladaptive coping strategy that may people turn to, whether knowingly or not.
Mindfulness can help bring our attention to our bodies, so we can acknowledge hunger cues as they arise and fuel our bodies with conscious healthy food choices. Even the process of eating can be done mindfully – so we enjoy our food more and can physically feel when our bodies have had enough.
4. Mindfulness can boost your relationships and homelife
When we are practicing mindfulness, we learn to calm our minds and shrink our anxiety. As a result, our irritability reduces, we no longer feel on edge nor overwhelmed. As a direct result, the people around us (our family, spouse, children, roommates, etc.) are not as annoying or irritating as they were previously.
Someone we live with may say something that would normally set us off, but when practicing mindfulness we might not be irritated. In fact, we might find that comment or behaviour endearing, funny or a conversation-starter.
The boost in our mood provided by mindfulness practice can strengthen our relationships with our loved ones and create a happier living environment at home.
Want to start practicing mindfulness but don’t know where to start? Join our FREE virtual Mindfulness Class! Contact us for more details.
Copyright 2021, Sherrie Mohamed
Mindwell Therapy Collective 