From our Leader of Wellbeing
Mindfulness- Tips for calming anxiety during a difficult time
Our last newsletter was filled with lots of good ideas to help families during the very uncertain times of COVID 19. It also had many links to great websites and places to reach out. Feel free to go back and check these out.
Once again we have included an article on Mindfulness that is appropriate for the whole family. It is adapted from The Child Mind Institute.
With schools closed and many parents working from home, it’s hard not to start spiralling. Responsibilities seem endless, the situation uncertain, and it seems like time to yourself has become a thing of the past…
Take a deep breath. Literally. Feel a little better?
These are trying times, but incorporating mindful practices into your daily routine can help calm anxiety and build healthy coping skills. Here are some tips from our clinicians on making mindfulness work for you and your family.
It doesn’t have to be complicated
Being mindful is what it sounds like. Taking time to focus on the present, being intentional and thoughtful about where you are and how you are feeling. Trying to centre your thoughts and be in the moment. Sounds simple, but it takes work, especially now when concerns about what the future holds feel so pressing. Mindful activities can help. “Mindfulness isn’t complicated,” says Jill Emanuele, PhD, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute. Here are some simple activities she recommends:
- Squeeze Muscles: Starting at your toes, pick one muscle and squeeze it tight. Count to five. Release, and notice how your body changes. Repeat exercise moving up your body.
- Belly Breathing: Put one hand on your stomach and one hand on your chest. Slowly breathe in from your stomach (expand like a balloon) and slowly breathe out (deflate).
- Mindful Meal: Pay attention to the smell, taste and look of your food. No multitasking.
- Meditation: Sit in a relaxed, comfortable position. Pick something to focus on, like your breath. When your mind wanders, bring your attention back to your breath.
- Blowing Bubbles: Notice their shapes, textures and colours.
- Colouring: Color something. Focus on the colours and designs.
- Listening to Music: Focus on the whole song, or listen specifically to the voice or an instrument.
Make time for mindfulness
Right now much of the personal time that used to be part of our daily routines — commutes, time alone at home, going to the shops — is not available. This means it’s extra important to be intentional about creating space to recharge. Deciding to set time aside each day to practice mindful activities is a great place to start, says Dr. Emanuele. Morning mindfulness can help set the tone for the day. “Do deep breathing, meditate, exercise, whatever mindfulness activity works for you,” she recommends. Mindfulness doesn’t have to be elaborate: “You can try mindful eating or mindful drinking. Sit there and just be in the moment. That’s mindfulness. Taking five minutes to do that before the day begins is even more important now because this is not our typical routine and we’re going to feel very, very out of sorts.”
Limit multi-tasking
Right now it can feel like trying to do ten things at once is the only way anything will get done. For example, trying to fold laundry, make dinner and watch your child all while on a work call.
But, explains Joanna Stern, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, multitasking rarely works, and can actually increase stress. “Multitasking is a myth,” says Dr. Stern. Instead, she suggests achievable goals for the day, trying to focus on one thing at a time.
Practice mindfulness as a family
Mindfulness, explains David Anderson, PhD, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, is “Anything that helps everyone take a moment to slow down, stay present, and come together.” Designating time to practice mindful activities as a family will help everyone feel less anxious. It could be a daily family yoga session, or a quiet walk outside, taking time to focus on the way the air feels, the sound of the birds and the smell of the trees. Another good family mindfulness idea is asking everyone to mention one good thing they heard or saw that day over dinner.
Please reach out if you or family members feel they need extra support.
Centercare New England North West is a local service available to support you and your family.