Tag: social distancing

Breaking News Break

March 31, 2020 /

If your stress levels have been escalating by the day, you can support your mind and body by taking a news break. Ceasing to obsessively focus upon and share the latest news is one of the most important things you can do right now. 

The media is a (fear) carrier, and compulsively seeking out the latest headlines can trigger anxiety, even if you are unaware of the effects. Chronic stress and anxiety compromises your immune system, which will make you more vulnerable, should you actually encounter the virus. Must I do the math for you? Good. I’m a words woman.

Whether you’re watching the news on TV, reading online or soaking up the fear broadcast on your social media pages, you are choosing to take unnecessary hits on your nervous system. The more you do this, the more your nervous system will become accustomed to the state of high alert.

How Behaviors Become Compulsive And Addictive

Have you found yourself checking the news without even meaning to? Or already tried to cut back and found it difficult or impossible to do so? Once your nervous system has acclimated to anxiety, you will unconsciously seek out hits of fear-based stimulation. 

This is a simplified explanation for how behaviors can turn into compulsive ones, which in turn can develop into addictions. 

Don’t use an illusory need to stay informed of every single development as an excuse to feed your body the opposite of what it needs right now. You’ll hear what you actually need to. It will be impossible not to.

Sharing Spreads Fear

If you are going to ignore this suggestion, at least stop sharing the news, unless it directly impacts someone who needs to know it at that moment. The person you are about to text may already be self-medicating their own fear with a second bag of Double Stuf Oreos. They don’t need yours as well.

If you are choosing to circulate stressful news on social media, ask yourself why. If your answer is that you’re trying to educate people to stay at home, know that by jolting the nervous systems of those who see your post, you are playing your part in the spread, in a different way. Can you find another way to get your message across?

If not, you are playing hot potato with your fear. There are much better ways to contend with it. I’ll share the best I know this month.

It Works! 

A client shared with me today that although she was originally resistant to my suggestion, she took a new break for two days and her anxiety decreased significantly. So if you are feeling anxious or depressed, I highly recommend cutting back or taking a full break for a couple of days and see how you feel.  

Comment below or share your experiences on our Corona Calm page. It’s a great time for unity, community, hope and inspiration: https://www.facebook.com/groups/clearyourfear/

For the next posts, which will share ways to contend with your fear and boost your emotional and physical health, subscribe to Love Without Traffic or join our Facebook page: http:/https://www.facebook.com/lovewithouttraffic//

I wish you all health, peace and as much ease as possible. I’m here for you. Love, Nancy

 

Don’t Disconnect While Distancing

March 18, 2020 /

I have been social distancing myself on the beach for decades – the only sounds I like to hear are the ocean and seagulls. I was far from all humans while doing an immune system-boosting Kundalini class this evening, when I heard someone call out a dolphin alert.

The dolphins were so close to the beach, it seemed impossible that the water could have been deep enough for them. I could have touched one of them and I was super close to the shoreline. I almost couldn’t believe my eyes.

When they swam off, the young adults who had brought the dolphins to my attention began to walk away and I called out a thank you. They walked over to speak about what had just occurred. We were all amazed the dolphins had been swimming in water that was not even up to our knees; it almost seemed like a collective hallucination.

Unlike the spring breakers I witnessed yesterday, who acted as though they’d never heard of any type of corona outside the beer, this group of college students and recent graduates was very evolved. 

We shared a beautiful, authentic and inspiring conversation – the type that sends feel-good, health-enhancing hormones rushing through your system.

Normally, I would have hugged each and every one of them. Hugging produces oxytocin, which reduces stress and in turn boosts your immune system. But while I believe in the power of my immune system, I am taking precautions for those around me, since we can be carriers and not even know it. So instead of hugging, I put my hands over my heart and sent them love. 

Like dolphins, humans need connection, so make sure you’re getting that in other ways if you are self-isolating or under mandatory quarantine. And if you feel like you need a good dose of oxytocin, or just want to self-comfort, you can put your hands over your heart and breathe. It feels like a hug and offers that sense of comfort your favorite stuffed animal or blankie did while hugged against your chest as a child.

Or last week. Hey, comfort is comfort. 

Placing my hands over my heart is one of my go-to’s when I feel emotionally vulnerable, and also something I recommend to clients who are experiencing anxiety. 

Keeping them there for a few minutes and applying some gentle pressure while doing some slow, deep belly breathing works every time.

With love,
Nancy 

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