We are all going through what might be the most challenging time of our lives. And these stressors are already manifesting in an increase in both physical, mental and emotional issues. Depression, anxiety, panic attacks even PTSD are already rising and I feel may even result in record numbers of mental health issues.
Our children everywhere are filled with the almost constant anxieties from everyone and everything associated with the coronavirus and other illnesses, going back to work or school, dealing with relationships and friendship changes and so much more during these overwhelmingly stressful times.
It's not too late to monitor or change the constant barrage of information processing we are all going through and that our children have been subjected to (or ourselves really) but any this point the best we can do is teach and all practice self-monitoring of stress and teach relaxation practices and techniques.
Share the things you do, or want to do from the simplest things to new practices that help you or might help others.
For starters, many of us have used meditation as a life practice, others have faith filled practices or read and can recommend books, audio tapes or music that uplift them.
Help us all to help ourselves with suggestions and encouragement.
We have a free online meditation group here that has been meeting on Wednesday nights. Join in and try it. You just might like it or even really love it!
Circle of Light Healing Meditation
(Listed at top under events)
Coping with stress by keeping busy, busy! I'm on week #8 of my Great Attic and Garage Organization and Clean-out.
I've always resisted the "hoarder" designation and when my parents died in Alaska, I took relatively little and only things that were usable or sentimental.
But three kids (all grown, life partnered, and with little ones of their own) are drawn to my saved items (for my continued storage) and every time I've tried to pass along board games or toys from the past 40 years, all it took was 1 grown child to exclaim "oh no, those are keepers" for me to agree! Yes, they are taking things but our old house with only 2 occupants has the most storage space ?♀️
I've managed to pass on to family most of our Star Wars Toy collection and am major lamenting the giving away of our best and newest set of Legos in a large bin to a thrift store long long ago. (You know how you think you're providing for a needy child but collectors are getting them ahead of time and reselling on eBay) What my lego obsessed grandson would give for those now ?♀️
And now, every newspaper or school clipping accolade or award has me in tears of remembrance! And i started "Memory Boxes" for each one but those old small boxes are now becoming bins ☺?
At this rate, the organization and cleanout may outlive the virus! I sure hope so really as I am ready for this highly escalating virus to end! I mean aren't you?
And other than bringing out some very sentimental sadness, I'm actually loving my time outside with my 80s radio/cassette/turn table record player blasting the 70s, 80s, and 90s Top Hits!
What are you doing to keep busy and cope through news or real life stressors?
I had no idea where to post this, but thought this "Coping..." thread was appropriate.
This is a good NY Times article on sensitive children:
I walk and exercise the other day I got 5 miles while walking in the park it makes me happy, usually I listen to podcasts. I want to lift weights but my cousin who is an Allergy/immunology doctor said no, not for another four months. In Houston we have parks built within the water reservoirs, and they are rather large. There are hills, dips, straightaways, and lakes. I went to a new park that I have never gone to on Sunday and it was fun seeing something new. I wear a mask when I walk, it doesn't bother me. It surprises me how much I enjoy it because usually I would be at a treadmill in the gym but walking in the sun is rewarding. Now we have this rain for the next couple of days and now I'm stir crazy. Oh well.
@jsr78 - Stay safe, with all the rain!
Friday and Saturday were so horrible, after hearing the news about RBG. Friday night, I was sitting on the couch, watching Rachel Maddow, drinking a hefty cocktail, and thinking, "That's it ... we're screwed." Saturday, I joined a large group of people doing a Women's History Month ride on the Peloton ... 60 minutes of pushing my body to the limit while listening to amazing words from artists like Melissa Etheridge, Annie Lennox, Ani DiFranco. By Sunday, I was seeing the rage and fire and determination building, and it helped me feel like there is yet another growing swell of motivation to vote and activate.
Beyond that, I've been keeping a Covid scrapbook of what life looks like during this time. I didn't anticipate I would still be adding to it, nearly seven months later.
Someone in my extended family circle has died unexpectedly. She was a joyful and positive spirit. Her passing has made me realize that I frown more than I smile, and talk more than I listen.
I have made a conscious decision to be happy every single day, no matter what challenges I face. Although I am in pain today from a physical issue, I still laughed, I still smiled and I am still courting abundance,
I think that this may be one of the best decisions I ever made.
It’s really all we can do if we are to carry on.
I’m sorry this light in your life has moved on. It sounds like you learned valuable lessons from her about gratitude; how wonderful she must have been in the life your family! ?
I really wanted to read this as this applies to do many of us in my personal tribe especially my littlest ones!
Even though i have a temporary free account still standing and supposedly should work on my phone it just plain doesn't but even the first paragraph i could see to read was great!
I just noticed this thread carries the "I am so angry" tag. Just as an aside i prefer to see anger as a corollary to fear and not the opposite of love and gratitude which to is what being able to cope is all about.
I truly appreciate the honest but not angry posts we have so far. Blessings, love and great gratitude for and to each and everyone of you!
I am deeply, deeply touched, moved yo further joy and heartfelt expansion by this beautiful and wonderfully amazing leap of understanding you just created in not only yourself ghandigirl but the world.
Each and every time one of progresses on our individual paths of enlightenment we help others on this site who think they are "woke" and really all who think they are by this faddy word then really they are still in maya the true word for the illusion of who we earth bound beings truly live under and within.
You, my dear precious spirit of a being get and see the truth every day and best of all you see it by our worlds examples and you are so wonderful to share so much with all of us!
Just plain love you woman!
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PS i am however truly sad for the loss of this dear heart from your circle " but yes as @lowlide posted the gifts/teachings/your quick understanding is so great that it actually frees her entrapment as i understand from those who don't want her to go and cling to her spirit from prolonged wailing as many of us have done in the past with others transcending.