Worry, concern, anxiety, fear, frenzy, irritation…..

Whatever you want to call it….it has a name and you’ve likely expressed one of these or many other emotions over the last few weeks. COVID-19’s spread has impacted our country and is causing some of us to question the reality of it all. From the stock market plummeting, to nationwide school closures, and workers being sent home- it seems as if our nation (even the world) is spiraling out of control.

And then there’s YOU!

How are you managing? What’s going on in your mind and heart? How are you coping?

I pose 3 questions for you to ponder on in hopes they will assist you in being more mindful about what’s going on in your head and heart during this season of uncertainty. 

– What am I thinking? Or doing?

– How does it make me feel?

– What can I do about it?

I believe these 3 questions will help you put things into perspective and jump-start your process towards building a sense of control and balance over your thoughts and emotions.

Take a moment and analyze:

– Are you engaging in negative thought patterns? Not ones of relevant realistic concern, but downright negative.

– Are you engaging in activities that provoke negative behaviors or actions? When you engage in these thoughts and behaviors, how do they make you feel? Do they create anxiety or peace?

– Do you feel helpless about your situation/circumstance? Or do you take action and lean in on what it is you have complete control over and can change.

– Are you adaptable and open to flexibility? 

I have personally had to make many changes in restructuring my thoughts and being mindful of my behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are 6 personal tips I have used to help me maintain my overall mental wellness. 

• Affirmations: “I am in control,” “I am whole,” “I am complete.” I believe affirmations assist in reworking my mind around the positives and what I have control over. If I speak it, I will be IT. 

• Morning Meditation: My initial instinct is to grab my phone and scroll social media for 20 min in the morning. With all the “gloom and doom” on my timeline I find myself starting my day in that same manner. Now, I make myself meditate in the morning instead. I can clear my head and heart and apply my affirmations in the mix to help calm myself. 

• Aromatherapy: I use aromatherapy at home and even during my therapy sessions with clients. Essential oil scents trigger certain positive emotions and are helpful if dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, and sleeplessness. I have my own aromatherapy line: I Am A MasterPeace with my I Am A MasterPeace Signature Blend scent! It has rose, juniper berry, and clary sage, which helps promote peace, confidence, rejuvenation, and reduces stress. Lavender and eucalyptus are also calming scents.

• Exercise: Self explanatory, but highly underutilized. Exercise helps decrease cortisol (stress hormone) levels. 

• Watching a comedy or funny movie: Get to laughin’!!! Laughing has been proven to improve overall mood. 

• Decrease social media screen time: Have you seen anything positive on social media lately? I didn’t think so! And just imagine your mind absorbing all of that information you scroll past…It eventually impacts you. Put your apps on pause for a moment. Give yourself and your mind a break.

Above all else, I want you all to stay safe during this time. If you feel your emotions are taking over you please reach out to someone. We all need support during this time. You can also reach out to set up a therapy session with me. I offer virtual services so you can participate in therapy from the comfort of your own home!

Be safe MasterPeaces!!!!

Tiffanie L. Williams, DHSc, LCSW