It is so important to take care of ourselves during stressful times like now but it is all too easy to forget to do the basics. Here’s a reminder: check in with your body, mind, and spirit.
Take a moment to check in with your body. Our body is a wondrous biochemical symphony that is always harmonizing with the here and now. We can get lost in thoughts, plans, worries, and become drained with fears about tomorrow and regrets about yesterday. Tapping into how your body is feeling right now, helps unplug from the non-stop preoccupations and plug into the present moment. Take a deep breath, follow the breath as it comes in and out, notice where your body is tight and stressed, and also welcome the places in your body which are light and clear. Enjoy a moment to recharge. Your thoughts will no doubt pull you away – that’s OK, as you remember step back and enjoy a breath.
One of the treasures of being a human is that we can kindle our thoughts and feelings to favor our own best interest. It is not hokey or fake to guide your thoughts to something happy; instead, it is a skillful use of our human capacity to enhance our own well-being. Positive happy emotions are functional and energizing. When I am stressed, and I remember, I’ll take a breath and recall something wonderful. Often it’s the memory of a delightful dance my older daughter and I had at her wedding. After just a few moments relishing that happy time my thoughts clear and I’m ready to get back to whatever I’m doing from a new more relaxed and energized place.
Be good to your human spirit. We are social beings. We don’t need to be physically in a group to tap into the good social spirit. Reach out by phone to a friend you haven’t spoken to recently. Text a good message to someone you love. Look through your pantry and find a few things you can put in a bag and drop at your local food bank. Respond to someone on EX. It doesn’t take much to stir our human spirit, and the benefits are tangible.
Michael V. Burke, Ed.D
Program Director and NDC Counselor/ CTTS