Hey friends! It’s been a LONG LONG time since I’ve written anything on here and while I’ve missed it, I have been super busy, teaching and enjoying my latest hobby, online health coaching! I’m currently writing this post at my sister’s house in Nashville, while drinking wine ( and no its not yet 5pm, but there’s a pandemic out there, so does it really matter) to calm my anxieties and nerves. I’m sure as I write this there are many out there feeling the exact same way. I’m a planner and all my plans have currently been interrupted and there are a LOT of unknowns, so I thought id share whats helping calm my nerves currently.
- Educate yourself about the virus from reputable sources and limit your time on facebook. There are so many things going around and if you are prone to anxiety, taking some time away from Social media may be the very thing you need.
- Read some of your favorite books or books you’ve been wanting to read for a long time. This will help get your mind off of what’s going on or the lack of knowledge surrounding the virus and/or the future. Some of my favorite books recently and some on my list are:
- “The Purpose Driven Life”- Rick Warren
- “Present over Perfect”- Shauna Niequest
- “Mastering your Mean Girl”- Madeleine Shaw
- “100 days of brave”- Annie F. Downs
- “Own your Everyday”- Jordan Dooley
- “Girl, Stop Apologizing”- Rachel Hollis
- “Beginner’s Pluck”- Liz Bohannon
- Get outside and take a walk or jog around the neighborhood. Don’t go in big groups of course, and stay within 5-10 feet of others. Honestly I don’t know if that’s a thing, but even outdoors, it would be smart to have some distance. Notice the trees, the buds and flowers starting to bloom, or focus on items of a certain color- this will help your mind relax.
- Practice meditation or deep breathing. Put your hand on your heart, or both hands crisscrossed on your chest, press gently and feel the warm sensation. Close your eyes and tell yourself, “This is hard, but I’m doing the best I can.” Download some meditation apps like calm, headspace, or the Insight timer to help relieve some anxiety. Inhale deeply, filling your lungs. Exhale slowly through pursed lips. Repeat as needed throughout the day (and night). Or watch this calming breath animation.
5. Listen to some calming music and maybe even create some of your own music! Being a musician, It is calming to sit down at the piano and just play. Have you tried it? Maybe you’re not a musician, here are a couple calming playlists on spotify to help calm your anxieties:
- The Calm -Down Playlist
- Anti-Anxiety Playlist
- Ultimate Zen Meditation Playlist
- Stress Relief Playlist
- Calm Vibe Playlist
- Peaceful Retreat Playlist
- Totally Stress Free Playlist
- And yep, there’s even a Coronavirus Playlist- just search on spotify
6. Do at home online workouts! I am so incredibly blessed that I can access my workouts and still get a good sweat on from the comfort of my own home! Here are a couple Free Sample workouts for you to try while you’re stuck at home and doing your part to keep others healthy. https://mailchi.mp/412b9f7125c0/free-at-home-workout-plan-503726
Want more at home workouts? Check out the awesome packages to get access to 1200 different workouts for the WHOLE YEAR and have access to some fun kid workout programs too! Great for the coronavirus staycation!
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7. Meditate on the Truth! I’ve been meditating on scripture and remembering that while I don’t know what tomorrow may bring, I can TRUST that my God has everything handled! Here are a couple verses that have been helping me:
- Psalm 46: 1-3 God is our refuge and strength an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
- Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
- Isaiah 26: 3-4 Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace- because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock.
- John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
- Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
- Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
- Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?
8. Do some arts and crafts! Color in some coloring books, paint a picture, do some scrap booking, knit or crochet, or do some graphic design work. I’ve been helping my sis with her invitations for her wedding and that was super enjoyable!
Stay safe, friends! Hope some of these ideas help relief some of your anxiety while we all wait out the nasty virus… Keep Calm and Keep your hands washed! xoxo- Erin Ruscel
