REST & RELAX & RESTORE
It's been over 2 weeks since I've been at home and I won't lie, it hasn't been always great.
Since I'm someone for whom silence and staying at home hasn't been the slightest of problems (yes, I unleashed my introvert :)) my biggest struggle came from observing people not sticking to the rules of social-distancing whenever I needed to go to the shop.
I tell you, it really has been pulling my triggers, and I've been thinking what I can do with this wave of not-so-nice feelings.
Being at home definitely offers more opportunity to go inside, hence I decided to tune inward and generate some positive feelings towards myself and others. It definitely helped! By doing it I came to a few conclusions:
First of all I remembered that it is totally ok to feel this way, as I'm simply reacting to something I consider stressful. This approach has allowed me to instantly release some of this steam and be more compassionate with myself which is so needed right now.
Secondly I put into consideration that these situations and experiences are a very needed platform to train myself not to react to them in a negative way. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger (kind of thing) This also de-steamed me further
Thirdly I reminded myself that I cannot change the way others behave. Quite likely they may be equally stressed or worried and showing it in their own ways which are not better or worse than my way of showing stress. My ego definitely got de-buffed at this point.
I'm not saying that this frustration disappeared, oh no, but it reduced massively and created a window of opportunity to slow down and reduce the strength of my emotions. Since then however, I've been more mindful of the way I think and react and my recent visit to the shop was already much more relaxed and compassionate.
Stress undoubtedly affects our immunity hence I hope that my sharing can offer a fresh perspective into your own stressful thought and patterns and treat them with more compassion and understanding.
Relax and re-connect
A few minutes of meditation/ contemplation, deep breathing or simple sitting in a quiet for few minutes every day allows us to make a change in our behavioural patterns and calm the instinctive monkey brain.
If you have your own practice or method, this is a perfect time to use it.
For those of you looking for some inspiration please check this Free Online Meditation Resources for Times of Social Distancing: https://www.theawakenetwork.com/free-online-meditation-resources-for-the-time-of-social-distancing/?fbclid=IwAR03qs0TodEKy5-LLoZIbxXo-Leip83cIGNaEqgQMA3dkfTF1YBtsIz307M
Practice gratitude
It is one of the best helps in difficult times.
Release the pressure
Don't put too much on your shoulders.
Use this initial time primarily for rest, relaxation and restoration of your strength.
This will give you more than anything else.
Eat, sleep, share good memories with your loved ones, get some fresh air would be my mantra for this current phase as at this stage our nervous system is still on a higher alert since most of us have never been put in such situation.
Remember, there is no time frame to this, take as much time as you need and don’t compare yourself to others who share their 5am bootcamp training that leaves them with 6 or even a 9-pack belly.
Everyone is different and if you have spent the last 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 years not having enough time to rest, use as much time as you need to recover.
One thing at the time
Don't overload yourself with millions of new courses, excessive exercises or endless to- finally- do – list (I’m fully speaking from my own experience here, as I just love to distract myself with too many tasks I never finish and which give me an excuse to run away from the basic jobs and a totally fake sense achievement).
Ayurvedic solutions
I wouldn’t be myself if I didn’t remind you of my most important ayurvedic tips for health and immunity:
Every morning I scrape off my tongue and drink a big glass of hot water
My food and drinks in fact are always warm, hot and spiced with some turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, cloves.
15 minutes before food I drink a cup of warm water with 1 tsp of a paste made of fresh ginger, lime/lemon juice, black pepper, turmeric, raw honey and salt. I also sip it slowly after food.
Twice a day I eat natural vitamin C rich and immunity enhancing herbal jam called Chyawanprash. Bear in mind that this is not just your average jam but a herbal medicinal paste with 40 different ingredients including Amla- India Gooseberry- the highest source of natural vitamin C
I drink plenty of tulsi and Echinacea tea. My favourite ones are Pukka’s Tulsi Clarity and Yogi Tea Immune Support.
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