We find ourselves in worrying times! There is fear all around and within us there is no escaping the feelings of fear as this is a natural reaction for our nervous system to protect us in times of danger.
I would like to share my 5 top tips to stay centred during Covid-19
- Breath So sounds obvious but In times of anxiety and fear our breathing changes. Our breath rises up in our chest and quickens. This is a natural response as our bodies become prepared to fight or flight. Focus on lengthening your breath, counting helps. Count to maybe 4 or 5 as you breath in and then again counting to 4 or 5 as you breath out. Allow your breath to flow deep into your belly. You can visualise your breath flowing into your belly until you become familiar. Children do this naturally, belly breathing.
- Cut down or cut out coffee and caffeinated drinks. I know it can be easy to reach for a coffee but caffeine stimulates your adrenal glands and can lead to adrenal fatigue and add to your feelings of anxiety. Cut down gradually or you will have withdrawal symptoms. Try replacing with chicory or lemon and ginger. I gave up caffeine years ago and feel so much better for it.
- Avoid watching too much negativity on TV catch up on the daily briefing or ask friends to put the news in a nut shell for you. Watch movies that make you laugh and feel good or cute videos on youtube instead. Watching too much fear based news will place you in fear and evoke negative emotions. Laughter is healing for the heart and calming for the nervous system.
- Get outside, go hug a tree. Tree hugging isn’t just for hippies in Japan they call this forest bathing. Getting outside in nature is great for changing our moods and helping us feel more centred.
- Place your hands over your belly button, visualise yourself as a tree with strong roots into the ground and use the belly breathing in tip number 1. Placing your hands over your centre is great for helping you feel grounded, calm and centred.
