By Laura LaVacca
Campus News
Trying to find balance during a time where life has, seemingly, been turned upside down can be difficult in times of crisis. During this time of a pandemic, restaurants, work places and schools are closed impending our ability to keep our old routines. Being confined to the house, now is a time to focus on oneself more than ever.
“Find balance. It’s important to watch the news and take the precautions necessary to flatten the curve. But self care is important as well. Try to get outside in the fresh air. Focus on things that make you happy. Most important, stay in the moment. Anywhere else will cause anxiety,” advises Kelly Mitchell, owner of the yoga studio, Buddha Barn, located in Bellmore, NY.
“We learn the most during times like this. We can come to so many realizations regarding our relationship to self, our family and Mother Earth.”
Mitchell advises exploring online resources with regard to yoga and meditation. Many fitness centers and studios are offering free virtual classes that anyone can sign up for. Apps like MindBody give users the ability to search for diverse types of classes from pilates to barre.
Meditation is also another useful tool. “Meditation is simply breathing and being present in the moment. It’s an opportunity to create gray matter in the brain and release the monkey mind.” She advises for beginners to work on “mindful awareness,” which refers to being aware of the five sense as you breathe deeply.
“Try it in the shower or when doing dishes or housework. Use all five senses to experience the task,” she continues.
Calm, Headspace and Aura are well-known apps that can be downloaded to any device.
Other ideas that may help are developing a mantra, which is simply a word of phrase that you can recite while breathing to keep you focused in times of anxiety or worry. Prayer is another idea where those can have a conversation with whomever they pray to as they breathe deeply.
The idea behind all of these practices is to stay in the moment and not be caught up in the future or past.
Ultimately, she heeds, “Find what resonates with you.”
Talking with someone can also help ease the feelings of isolation and apprehension. Whether it’s a friend, family member or licensed professional, chatting can help people still feel connected.
Many are using Zoom and other video conferencing apps like FaceTime to connect over cocktail parties or book clubs. NYC has also developed a hotline with almost 6,200 mental health workers who are volunteering their time to help.
In a recent press conference, Governor Andrew Cuomo said that anyone can call the hotline and schedule an appointment with a mental health professional for free “to talk to them about what you’re feeling and what stress you’re feeling.”
Tara Donlon, Counselor, LMHC, has her own practice in New York. She suggests checking in with oneself often: “Ask yourself what you need during the day to feel good, to feel fulfilled and happy. Think about what you did prior to the quarantine in order to fill those needs. What alternatives do you have available for you to fill that need during the quarantine?”
Donlon further supports Cuomo’s suggestion of reaching out for help.
“Consider starting therapy for you or your children during this time. Most therapists have the capability to offer their services via video chat for both adults and children. Don’t be afraid to reach out for support for yourself, for information on how to help you children manage any reactions they might be having, and support for your children as well.”
Donlon points to routine and trying to keep some semblance of normalcy and structure during the day. Every hour doesn’t have to be accounted for, but morning routines, evening routines, even the same bedtime can help create order.
Above all, she suggests patience. A little kindness to yourself goes a long way.
“There are going to be a lot of days that this starts to feel overwhelming. That the thought of spending another day in your house or apartment is going to feel impossible. Where everyone in your living space is fed up with each other. And that’s okay,” she concludes. “Don’t beat yourself up over not responding perfectly to a situation that is completely different than anything that you’ve dealt with in your life.”
For those desiring free emotional support, consultation, and referral to a provider, please call 1-844-863-9314.
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