Our mental strength has been tested quite a bit these last few years, and now with the COVID-19 pandemic, our mental strength, along with our physical strength, is stretched thin and put to the test. Living in a world where we can calculate and predict every aspect of our daily lives, we are at a loss right now because we are no longer able to predict and calculate this virus with accuracy. What then will our minds do to compensate this discrepancy in relinquishing us from the data-driven mindset we are so accustomed to? This mindset is when our “imagination” takes flight, conjuring farfetched things, trying to grasp reality, and yet somehow distorting it at the same time. How then can we quiet our imagination, so it does not take us down the rabbit hole of insanity of obsessing over the fear of not having enough of our moratorium and concern of missing out on important information? We create for ourselves an infopandemic that can be worse than the viral pandemic itself. This infopandemic is the beginning of losing our focus and weakening our mental strength leading to despair, hopelessness, doubt and anger, unrest, and blame.
To stay mentally healthy and focused during these unprecedented times requires us to start focusing inward, in ourselves. We have the power within us to be mentally healthy. We have to find good and contentment in ourselves to start seeing and spreading positivity and joy in the world. Things are ever-changing, and we feel the loss of control. To create a sense of constancy, have a ritual or routine in place every day. Begin by finding time in the early morning before anyone in your house is awake to schedule “Quiet time” and make it non-negotiable time.
At least 15 minutes to 1 hour, however your schedule permits. During this quiet time, pray, read, and reflect on things that will grow you mentally, start giving thanks every morning and do some physical activity to get your blood flowing. By creating this “Quiet time” and space in the morning hours, your mind will be calmed and relaxed, releasing endorphins that will produce positive and joyous feelings of euphoria (Healthline.net) and further increase dopamine, serotonin, and melatonin. By creating this sacred time, you are designing a constant routine in your day, focusing on the unchanging truth, which you can look forward to and will counteract the ever-changing world you live in, reducing stress, anxiety, and the way your body manages pain. Designing this morning, “Quiet time” is necessary to shift your perspective and mindset to better mental health.
