The other day I observed a heavily-masked woman in a supermarket in no uncertain terms telling off a customer to keep his distance. A passenger on the plane refused to take his window seat when he found another person sitting next to him. Many people are currently feeling anxious, afraid and even paranoid.
The pandemic is having a huge effect on mental health, according to a report released recently by the World Health Organization (WHO).
“Bereavement, isolation, loss of income and fear are triggering mental health conditions or exacerbating existing ones. Many people may be facing increased levels of alcohol and drug use, insomnia, and anxiety,” the WHO said.
During these times when we are constantly being bombarded with “Covid news” on all channels it is more important than ever to guard your mind against the indoctrination with negativity. These are challenging times where it has become more important than ever to protect your mental health and to guard your mind against fear and anxiety. We cannot ignore this dangerous virus and have to take precautions but we do have it in our power to reduce the consumption of negative news.
Learning the lessons from a crisis
Every crisis teaches us something. We need to look beyond the surface. As a humanity we need to go into deep introspection on what we are doing to our earth and our fellow living beings. Nature is teaching us that we need to move away from an exploitative to a more sustainable economic model. Short-term external gratification cannot replace the soul’s yearning for spiritual growth and meaning. Because humanity is in this together in fighting a common enemy, it is a huge opportunity in bringing communities and nations together. The mere fact that a vaccine could be made available in such a short time is a result of an unprecedented level of international cooperation between scientists and governments.
Practicing awareness of thoughts and emotions
Being locked down in our homes gives us time for reflection on what truly matters. If we stay calm, centered and in alignment with the higher self we can be of much more support to those loved ones around us, especially those facing a mental health challenge.
Here are some of the things you could do to remain centered:
- When you feel a negative emotion such as fear accept that fact first. “Yes, I am afraid and anxious.” You can then go to the next step by replacing that emotion with a good thought or happy moment. What image or memory comes to mind that will expand your energy or makes you laugh?
- Practice a gratitude ritual. What am I truly grateful for? Thank the universe for all the good things in your life. Do it first thing in the morning and last thing before you fall asleep. It makes a huge difference to your feeling of well-being!
- Breathing meditation. Focus your mind on your breathing. At the count of one I inhale and at the count of one I exhale – counting until 21. Check out my immune-boosting meditation on my Podcast.
- Take a walk in nature. Meditative deep walking in natural surroundings cleanses body and mind on many levels. Do it however without the distraction of electronic gadgets. Focus on the moment. Feel the wind stroking your face. Hear the birds singing in the trees. Inhale the aroma of the wild flowers.
- Our environment, our associations and our thoughts have a major impact on our mental well-being. Radically reduce associations with people who bombard you with negativity, abusing you in dumping their rubbish onto you. Reduce the consumption of negative media to a minimum. What you feed your mind with is who you are and who you become.
Reino Gevers – Author, Mentor, and Consultant
One more thing…
I have a special New Year offer on my latest book “Deep Walking for Body, Mind and Soul”. If you buy my new video Deep Walking with the key lessons from the book in my store, I will send you the paperback edition of the book for FREE.
