The world has changed, and no one denies that. Over the past few months, we’ve had to adapt to a new normal, and this hasn’t been easy, with some people forgetting the importance of self-care practices. We’ve all adapted to life inside, with some of us taking up new hobbies, and others refining their existing skills (Who can forget my hula hoop! I also recently started paddleboarding, and I LOVE it. It’s challenging me to get out of my comfort zone and laugh with myself!). We are now ready to change to our new normal again, and question how life after the pandemic will change.
Life After The Pandemic
But now we have a new challenge to face as the world starts reopening. How do I fit back into life after the pandemic, and how do I deal with this further uncertainty? There is a sensation of being overwhelmed and anxious, and like we don’t know where to start. I want to support you through these feelings, so I’ve put together a list of my own tips on how I’m dealing with it all, and some of my favorite life tips for you into a tangible list so you can recenter.
Take A Breath
I mean this physically, as well as metaphorically. You’ve been through a lot these past months, and it’s taking a toll on everyone. I want you to take a deep breath in and then out again, and relax your mind.
An important thing I’ve used to help balance my thoughts and my mind is returning to my love of essential oils. Lavender oil has long been used for supporting anxiety and sleep issues, rosemary has been shown to aid in relieving stress, and oils like spearmint and wild orange having uplifting and mood-enhancing properties.
I’ve mentioned my love for döTERRA oils in the past, but it should come as no surprise that they have a fantastic oil blend that I’m infatuated with. Adaptiv is my go-to at the moment, with its combination of wild orange, lavender, copaiba, spearmint, magnolia, rosemary, neroli, and sweetgum oils. (And the best bit, it has all the rich oils mentioned above!) The sweet, floral scent lifts my mood and helps me recenter my thoughts.
I love that this comes in a complete system as well, meaning that it supports your whole body. (And I genuinely believe a holistic approach to life is the best way!). I know that I can tuck the roller bottle into my bag and use it on the go, making it so simple to take that moment to recenter and focus even when I’m shopping, or just out for a walk. It’s feeding the pun, but Adaptiv is entirely adaptive to my lifestyle.
But there are other tools I use at the moment to help reduce my stress levels, and they all work together and help balance these emotions, and offer some comfort to my life during and after the pandemic.
Relax
While a fantastic oil can help start you on the road to releasing anxiety, some other techniques can also help you. Meditation is one of these.
There are many forms of meditation from sitting still in the lotus posture to walking or dancing. Meditation is focussing on targets and bringing your attention to whatever it is you are doing and making it your intention to be present at that moment.
Be aware of your thoughts, merely observing without judging yourself. It’s about self-understanding. It is not TRYING to still your mind; it’s looking at what is going on mentally, emotionally, and physically and letting it be. You’re an observer on the hill, with no judgment, and you can achieve a moment of clarity.
There are many useful breathing techniques, and you need to find the one that fits best for you. The breath gives you something to focus on. You can also use a mantra like OM or “I am.”
My go-to is meditation is as simple as sitting still for as long as it takes me to complete six cycles of breathing in and out.
TIP: I love my Breathe app. It helps me with regulating my breathing and is a valuable tool.
What helps me is to find a comfortable place to sit with my back supported against a wall, my spine straight not stressed, with my eyes closed softly. If you can let your eyes relax, the brain often follows suit.
Stretch
Yoga has always been used for mindfulness and centering, and it’s been used for hundreds of years. I love using the legs up the wall pose. They say that 10 minutes of this equals an hour’s sleep.
First, put on some relaxing music. If you have essential oils, put a drop in your hands or on an eye pad. Lavender is excellent (see above!)
The most important thing is to be comfortable. Use your yoga mat or the carpet; this part doesn’t matter. If need be, feel free to also reach for a bolster or sturdy rolled blanket and place it under your hips. Scoot your bum as close to the wall as you can, and then bring your legs up and rest them on the wall.
Rest your arms down at your sides with your palms up.
Take a few deep breaths: Breathe in for one count and hold for four counts. Do this until you’re feeling relaxed and ready to take on the day!
Self-Care
The last part of this blog is about looking after your mind. We can only do so much for our physical selves, but we need to take care of our mental health as well to balance out our lives. A holistic approach is all about mind, body, and soul.
I’m sharing a few crucial coaching tips here for you so that you can look after your mind as well as your body. Dealing with the anxiety of every day can start by taking on board my tips.
- Start limiting the amount of news you watch. Stay current, but you don’t have to open news websites several times a day. Agree with yourself that you only look once a day or even every few days, so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
- Get outside at least once a day. Get some fresh air and sunshine, and take a walk, even if it’s just for 15 minutes.
- Connect with uplifting people. It may be impossible to meet with them in person, but virtually is always an option! If you don’t have enough positive people in your life, then read or listen to audiobooks from inspirational, motivational people. Join online groups where you can find many people who are on the same journey.
- Pass on the positivity! If it’s possible, find someone you can help who is where you were. You’d be amazed at how many people could use your help and how good it feels when you can use your experience for good.
- Learn about essentials oils and how they can support your emotions. (Why not get in touch and find out about one of my online workshops?)
Questions?
If you’re still not sure about how to tackle the changes in the world and want to talk about more ways to relieve your anxiousness, I encourage you to reach out and connect with me. My passion is helping people, and I want you to know you are not alone in your thoughts. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness.
I’d also love to talk with you about using essential oils to support your journey – so why not get in touch!