Written by Jason Watson, M. Ed., LPC, NCC, CCMHC – Therapist – San Antonio location
All humans crave order and calm in their lives and right now it is hard to find that space of calmness. Right now, so many things feel out of our control, but we can find areas of calmness and create a sense of control for ourselves.
Organize. Now that we are all being asked to stay home, now would be a great time to tackle some of those areas of the home that we keep putting off. Many times, organizing our lives physically can help calm some of the mental chaos. Organizing the closet that we keep putting off because ‘we just don’t have the time’, going through out stuff and clearing out that old stuff that we don’t need anymore, getting rid of clothes that we no longer wear or, sadly, outgrown is a good way of creating organization physically.
Mindfulness practice. Maybe you have always wanted to start a mindfulness practice but due to the daily demands we found ourselves saying “I don’t have time.” Learning to sit quietly with yourself for a few minutes a day and breathing can bring a sense of calmness. If you are like me and struggle with mindfulness there are some great FREE apps that can help. Insight Timer, Calm, or Headspace are some great apps for beginning of mindfulness practices. If you are home with your family, setting up a family mindfulness practice together is another great way to help calm some of the chaos.
Checking in socially. In the current time of advanced technology, we can check in with family and friends without being there in person. Using apps such as FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom are great ways to stay in touch with people and actually see them. Getting to actually see people while we aren’t supposed to be socially gathering is a great way to stay in touch with people and socialize with individuals and calming some of those worries that we have going through our heads at the moment.
Keeping a schedule. Right now, most people are finding themselves quarantined at home and having a lot of ‘time’ on their hands. Attempting to find and keep a schedule going will help when life returns to normal. Getting up at the same time every day, eating on a schedule, showering and going to be bed on a schedule helps to keep a sense a calmness when everything feels different.
Therapy. Even while we have to social distance ourselves, you can still reach out and get help mentally from your therapist. Counseling can be done online and is a great alternative to face-to-face counseling. Online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face counseling. Remember, reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness but great strength to help manage the mental chaos that people can be experiencing during high stressful times that we are all experiencing during this time.
The biggest thing to help with the chaos right now is remembering you are not alone during this time of difference.
