Build Resilience by Eating “Spiritual Foods”
While quarantine can broadly serve the public good, it can also be associated with psychological challenges.
The stressors from being quarantined can lead to symptoms of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and responses such as fear, anger/irritability, insomnia, fatigue, detachment and avoidance behaviors, impaired concentration, and diminished work performance. I have accepted one fact that has been demonstrated to me consistently over my career in working with hundreds of individuals; spirituality helps individuals cope and heal! I am not talking about religion here; I am talking about each individual's ability to reach for something greater and outside themselves for strength, patience, and resilience. Spirituality can be grown and strengthened if it is fed. Which brings us to our next self-care tip...
Eat "Spiritual Food"
This is Helen, the Elephant. I walked passed her in my neighborhood several times until I noticed her in all of her beauty, boldness, and comedic relief.
We cannot let fear take the joy out of life…no matter what. Spiritual health is that aspect of our well-being that organizes the values, relationships, meaning, and purpose of our lives. Patients and healthcare professionals alike have long acknowledged and accepted the
importance of spiritual health as a foundation for physical health and well-being. So let's talk about how to get some spiritual health and strength during this uncertain, ambiguous, and confusing time.
Tips for Building Your Spiritual Infrastructure:
Identify a purpose for yourself (even just for the day).
Be open to awe and joy as you walk outside and experience nature. There is energy, spirit, and magic in the outdoors.
Practice random acts of kindness. Being kind to others calms your nervous system, improves your mood, and boosts serotonin, a natural antidepressant in your brain.
Try sending brief, thoughtful texts to those important people in your life.
Laugh until your tummy hurts. Laughter is a great stress reliever and boosts your immune system.
Get as much interpersonal connection as possible. If you have difficulty reaching out or asking for support and connection, try taking a little risk. Just choose one person that makes you feel safe enough to ask for help. Accomplishing this tiny goal will boost your mood and self-esteem and give you more confidence to reach out again.
Stretch and grow your self-awareness. Examine your beliefs and be conscious of what you think, feel, and believe.
Take care of yourself: mind, body, and spirit (remember hydrate, eat protein, and move your body.)
Learn to ask for support so that you can "let go" of at least some of the fear and stress surrounding us.
If you feel you need additional help, please remember that I am, as well as many other professionals are available to support you. I am offering virtual individual work as well as online groups and classes in the areas of:
Pain Management and Healing
Coping and Building Resilience
Healthy Communication and Relationship Building
Self Care: A New Perspective
Sustainable Recovery
Let us all support each other in staying connected and grounded!
