Right now we are receiving stimuli from everywhere. So my suggestion for Number 2 is taking 5 twice a day. In the morning and at night, set a specific and feasible time that you can practice taking a break. It is important to set a time that you can be consistent. If you pick a time that is not feasible, (such as early morning and you are not a morning person), this won’t work. Once you pick the ideal times, consider the other Take 5 tips: consider your 5 senses, connect with the 4 F’s, or practices the 3 R’s: Relax, Relate, Release.
Working out is not just for physical health, but mentally, we can gain emotional strength when we consistently practice healthy habits. During football preseason, the coach will mandate two a days. This is because he is attempting to condition and train his team. He is attempting to build their stamina to handle the season. I suggest we do the same thing for our emotional stability. We need to train our brains to relax, relate, and release and be prepared for the upcoming season. The more we practice healthy habits, we will create healthy patterns that result in healthy coping skills!
Again, during a time of uncertainty, we are all seeking normalcy. Create patterns that make you comfortable and repeat! I personally, have set calendar alarms twice a day to take 5. I take my 5 minutes to pray and mediate on a scriptural promise from God. The more you control your thoughts, the more you control your feelings. So, I fill my thoughts with positive words, and I repeat them at least twice a day. If I am honest with myself, I should walk twice a day, but until I build up that physical muscle, a walk outside for 5 minutes (TWICE A DAY) is a good start! Journaling and doodling are good 5-minute task to consider, however, using this time to practice deep breathing, mediating, or practicing mindfulness will help you Relax, Relate, and Release.
None of us can be certain about the upcoming seasons, but we can be mentally prepared to manage what might come our way.
Again, if you need help, we are here for you.
