4.27.20
Dear Yoga Friends,
I hope you are all well and feeling safe. During these trying times, the challenges of adhering to the CDC’s guidelines for safe distancing can be stressful for us all. Even as we wear face masks and gloves when shopping for essentials, even as we work at home, and for some, just trying to get by financially as well as physically, we can become stressed, anxious, and fearful.
Some signs of stress can be insomnia, headache, and a decrease of productivity at work. Stress can affect your thoughts, behavior, and feelings. When left unchecked, stress can contribute to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes, among others.*
Now may be the time to begin to explore ways to manage stress. Some suggestions are:
- Get physical! Move around, take a walk, stretch periodically. Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or Tai Chi, or QiGong.
- Keep a sense of humor.
- Spending time with family and friends but recognizing the different needs of family or friends.
- Find a new hobby, read a beloved book again. (for me it is Little Women)
- Learn something new, try a new recipe.
So how do we get a handle on all of this? Here is my recipe for getting through the pandemic:
- When I get up, I decide on a goal or goals for the day. I set an “intention” and then focus my “attention” as to how it flows. I try not try to cram too much into one day, keeping it simple and doable.
- I practice appreciation and give thanks.
- I try to be kind to myself and others.
I hope these suggestions meet with your approval and help you to live in the moment with a sense of purpose.
As a wonderful teacher advised me:
Go in peace, live gently, love mightily, and bow to the Mystery!
I hope to see you soon at yoga class,
Barbara Shimer