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Wash your hands and clear your mind
The new codex of responsible behavior tells us to wash hands in an attempt to delay the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. A Google search will supply you with many hand wash instructions — some of them nicely illustrated or animated. It’s important we all get the habit of washing hands thoroughly and regularly. Period.
However, SARS-CoV-2 is not the only virus threatening us these days. Along with it travels a host of mental viruses — facts, theories, stories, rumors, fake news, and so on — spreading much faster and wider than the biological virus. No wonder we become overwhelmed and disoriented with all this information passing through and cluttering our mind.
So, as much as we have to wash our hands, we need to clear our minds — get rid of unuseful mental stuff and establish a spacious and still mind for responsive choice-making and action-taking. Let me share a simple routine that can help you to CLEAR your mind.
Calm down — breathe deeply and detach yourself from disturbing thoughts
Lighten up — focus on thoughts bringing clarity and calm to the situation
Embrace reality — accept the current situation and what you can do about it
Adapt to what is — don’t waste energy on things you cannot control
Reach out — it is as natural and acceptable to ask for help as to offer it
Just a small example of how the mindful and brain-friendly approach can bring you through the crisis a bit stronger and in better balance. We are all hit by this, missing our normal life, eager to get back to normal. Here is an early warning: It will never be the same, change is here to stay. Many people I know are busy preparing the life after the crisis — are you?
Stay safe — stay sane.
