5 Mindfulness Activities for Dealing with COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction

Are you feeling mentally exhausted in isolation after getting affected by COVID-19?

COVID-19 has resulted in 2 out of every 10 people requiring a hospital for treatment, management, and recovery. However, 8 out of these 10 cases could have been managed and treated at home just as well. While COVID-19 results in symptoms such as headache, fever, dry cough, and tiredness, the virus can also take a toll on mental health and well-being. Good mental health can have a positive impact on people with coronavirus symptoms and help in quicker recovery.

Recovering from COVID-19 at Home

So, what can one do during home isolation to ensure a speedy recovery from COVID-19 – both physically & emotionally?

Firstly, you should always take your medicines and ensure a healthy diet for better physical health. For your emotional well-being, you can practice mindfulness, which helps enhance your immunity, self-awareness, and self-regulation.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of being present at the moment with complete focus and no judgments.

How Mindfulness Activities Help with COVID-19 Recovery

Mindfulness intrinsically motivates you to believe in yourself and increase the power of acceptance of the current situation. With acceptance and a positive attitude, you can make better decisions and handle crises in a healthy manner.

To deal with COVID-19, make sure you start preparing your mind as soon as you start to experience symptoms of the coronavirus. This will help you to have a positive mindset, and you will be able to manage symptoms in a better way in no time using mindfulness.

Before doing all the mindfulness activities, make sure you are taking care of your physical health. Appropriate rest and hydration with necessary medication are highly recommended for better physical health.

How to Practice Mindfulness During COVID-19

Mindfulness can be practiced with small tasks and little effort. You can perform mindfulness activities such as,

Mindful Acknowledgment of the Current Scenario

Purely acknowledge that we all are suffering and feeling more or less pain at the present moment. Also, acknowledge that life has its own beautiful and joyous moments. So, when you find yourself in a negative sea of emotions, acknowledge it and say out loud how you really feel. For example, “I am feeling pain and it does not feel good.” Then ask yourself, “how can I take care of myself at this moment?” These small steps will make you calm.

Wash Your Hands with Mindfulness

Washing your hands while performing breathing exercises helps in sensory relaxation. Gently inhale from your nose for 5 seconds, then exhale through your mouth for 5 seconds while washing your hands. You’ll gradually feel your problems and stress wash away.

Breathe When Anxious

Conscious breathing provides relaxation and better control over the mind. Start by closing your eyes and keep your hands on your belly. Focus on the movement when you inhale and exhale. This will shift your focus and bring you into a calm state of mind.

Fill in the Colors

Scientifically, coloring has shown to reduce activity in the fear-inducing part of the brain called the amygdala. Painting or merely filling colors in some shapes helps ease the restless mind, alleviate stress, and reduce anxiety.

Stay Connected and Hopeful

Always keep in mind that you are not alone in these trying times. There are people who care about you and want to see you happy. Talk about things that are bothering you. In others words, all emotions are valid and meant to be shared. Share your feeling with your loved ones through voice or video calls.

Remember, no battle is won without the mind being fit. The battle against COVID-19 needs you to be in your best mental state. So, practice these simple steps and become a coronawarrior by defeating this virus with your mind.