FINDING A PLACE THAT IS CALM AND SAFE

August 24, 2020

Health

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During this time of the pandemic, even a short moment of connecting to an internal sense of calm and safety will be beneficial. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, here’s how you can create an inner haven that you can retreat to.

Feeling anxious and fearful at a time like we have now is normal. Given the nature of the threat, anxiety and fear are adaptive responses. As the threat makes us alert with the fact that we need to be taking appropriate action to look after ourselves and others. It is also important that we recognize if we’re not careful, fear and anxiety can quickly reach a tipping point. Wherein, it may start to affect us in negative and unhelpful ways. 

How to recognize the stress response?

• Defensiveness 
• Hyperarousal
• Hypervigilance 
• Excessive busyness
• Excessive judgment and over-reaction 

As we face the pandemic, it’s essential to take all the required safety measures to keep ourselves and others safe. It’s also vital to constantly take cautious actions to help relax your nervous system. It may be done by connecting and cultivating a feeling of safety and calm within. Being calm is very beneficial. It will help you to make better choices to best support you and those around you. 

3 quick ways to calm yourself:

1. Move

Any kind of physical movement is a great way of releasing the build-up of excess energy. Take yourself for a run or walk outside, do certain stretching and you may crank some uplifting music and dance around the house for a few minutes. 

2. Breathe 

The physical senses of anxiety and fear start to subside when you slow your breathing level down the uncomfortable. You may stop what you are doing and take three long deep breaths. 

3. Ground 

Connect to what is happening now and try the following:

• Take a hot or cold shower
• Diffuse or smell a relaxing essential oil
• Have time to enjoy a cup of tea and pay attention to its aroma and taste 
• Cuddle your pet (if you have one) 

LET IT ALL GO!

This is not about pushing away the reality of the pandemic or health crisis we are all dealing with. It’s about discovering some methods on how to give your mind and body a break. Even just for a little bit to see if you can let go of pointless uneasiness and worry. Even though there may have been times in the past when you’ve not been fine, see if you can acknowledge that at this moment right now you are really alright. You can still be mindful of what is happening around you and inside you. You can still deal thoughtfully and proactively with the current challenges. It will also help you to connect to and care for yourself and others more deeply. Even for a short period, by intentionally and purposely connecting to a place of safety and calm within, you can help soothe and settle your nervous system. This forms flexibility that makes you more able to take practical safety measures without overreacting.