Three ways to be during COVID-19

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The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 is all over the news and social media. We are bombarded by information on how to stay physically healthy during this pandemic. Our physical body is one part of our well-being but what about the other major part?

Alongside physical workouts, we need to engage in mental activities for peace of mind. By adding three mental workouts, you may have a more complete sense of well-being.

#1 Be grateful.

Gratitude leads to happiness. Think about a time when you were happy. Did you experience gratitude as well? Gratitude doesn’t just accompany happiness, it leads to happiness. Take time to write three good things that recently happened to you. No matter what lemons you were given today, there are usually three things that you can say were good. Another impactful way to feel gratitude is to first think of a person from your past who did something nice for you. Take 5-10 minutes today and write them a letter, text, or online message thanking them for helping you, and take note of how this simple action makes you feel.

#2 Be mindful.

Mindfulness is being fully aware of what is happening in your life right now. Mindfulness leads to awareness of how you are feeling, how others are feeling and precedes action. When you are focused on what you see, hear, smell, and feel right now, your mind is not thinking about the past or worried about the future. Being fully present is the key to feeling peace. Take three minutes and just notice what you see (shapes, colors), what you hear (people talking, wind, birds), and what you feel (feet on ground, shirt on shoulders). Just observe the items, don’t judge them. As you focus on your five senses at this moment, your mind will quiet down.

#3 Be intentional.

Ever feel like life passes you by? This happens to everyone. It can be discouraging to think you just wasted your time. Successful people achieve great things when they plan and do things intentionally. We break bad habits by intentionally planning to do something different the next time. Take time to plan a few things you will do differently tonight or tomorrow. If you are working from home, intentionally plan to get up in the morning as you typically do on workdays, then take a shower, and eat a healthy breakfast. Your body and mind will thank you for intentionally planning to start the day off right. Progressive change does not happen without intention.

Take care of your body and mind. COVID-19 will not last forever. Take this time to be grateful for what you have, be mindful of the things around you, and set the intent to make positive changes in your life.

Join us for ‘Mindfulness Mondays’ on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ramsteinfamilyadvocacy. Call Family Advocacy for support DSN 479-2370. COMM: +49 06371-46-2370.