Office Wisdom: Building Your Mental Immunity
The reality is we are living in frightening times. The news reports of devastating outcomes abroad and the rising uncertainty of what will happen in the US, in our communities, in our families, in our own bodies are unsettling for us all. These concerns can lead to rise and falls of levels of fear and anxiety that wax and wane throughout the day. Being over 60, having my 3 children working on the front lines in Boston and DC in hospitals in work roles they cannot leave, causes me concern that could take my breath away. Yet this I know, it is vital that now more than ever we have to protect our minds. Just as vital as following the CDC recommendations to guard our bodies, we must guard our minds. It is an urgent necessity to survive! As the mind leads the body follows. Here are a few mental health tips to foster your mental immunity.
1) Shift from victim mentality to warrior mentality. Take control back! We can’t control what is happening around us but we can control how we respond to it. Each time you wash your hands, cleanse your thoughts. Check in with yourself and look within during your 20 sec. hand washes. Create a positive mantra to replace dark thoughts with each rinse: “I am strong”, “I am well”, “I am healing”, “I am able to give and lend support”, “We WILL make it through.”
2) Immerse in light. The way you begin the day is the way you end the day. Ask each morning: How can I make today meaningful? Get up a little earlier and spend your quiet time with God. Through written word, music, and quiet communion immerse and stay there until your peace and calm return. It will!
3) Take gratitude walks. Play the “I Spy” game with gratitude. In the quietness look, listen and feel what you can be thankful for at that moment. The blossoms on the trees, (reminders that a new season is coming), the birds chirping, the breeze ( reminding us of faith, the power of an unseen but powerful God), the clouds, the sky, fresh air, let the sun kiss your face and renew hope. Walk with God and know you are never walking alone.
4) Use this quiet time to” power up” versus” power down”. Don’t avoid or be afraid of quiet time. Being alone with your thoughts. In the midst of all the cancellations, use this time to dare to dream about your next step. Imagine who you hope to become then begin to be, not later, NOW. Declutter, work on “put off” projects, move toward personal best in the midst of this crises. We say we never have time, with all the cancellations, we do now.
5) “Emotionally Connect” while we “Socially Distance”. Now more than ever we need to reach out and touch our spirits with others and let know they are valued, loved and not alone. A phone call, a text, check in on the elderly and disabled to make sure they have their needs met, a word of connection will mean a lot to family and friends as we are all feeling uncertain, unsettled, and for many alone.
6) When panic approaches, stop a panic attack with Dr. Elizabeth Duval’s grounding techniques. Deep, slow breaths in and out and get centered. 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell and 1 thing you can touch. (Ways to Stop A Panic Attack at WebMD.com)
7) Remember this is a temporary circumstance. God’s delays are always deliberate. No matter what happens, God is in control. What we may see as the end of the story, God sees as the beginning our most miraculous chapter. Trust His process! You are loved! You are not alone! We know the outcome, God wins! He loves us, our children, our families more than we do. We can trust Him. We move from conquered to “more than conquerors”. Romans 8:37
8) Just as fear is contagious, so is HOPE! Let’s pass this contagion! Lead by example! For parents especially with homebound children, Plant mustard seeds and teach them about hope, faith, and how miracles often begin unseen and in darkness. Watching it grow during this difficult time will be a powerful daily reminder for yourself and your children that no matter what you are facing, NOTHING is impossible with God.
Powerful words to build your mental immunity to keep you strong:” God will keep you in perfect peace because your mind is stayed on Him because we trust Him.” Isaiah 26.3
Friends, stay safe, wise and know blessings and prayers are ascending. Head up! Shoulders Back! Step into the Yoga Warrior Pose! Remember: The Struggle is Real, but Victory Awaits! Proceed Empowered!
