Well, here I am starting another month of quarantine and realizing that home, more than ever, is the center of my world. I think it took me about 4 weeks to adjust and adapt, but now I find my world spinning just a little bit slower and I kinda like the pace of my days. How about you? Many of you know that I have a therapy background, so I’ve been writing down thoughts and re-discovering coping mechanisms over the past few weeks that I’d like to share with each of you.
The first is to try to adjust your mindset, and consciously pick your mental attitude. The graphic above is a great visual representation of how mindset influences our behavior, and how you can move through a place of fear to a place of growth. Are you stuck in the Fear Zone, shining in the Growth Zone or somewhere in between? If you want to change the emotional space you are in, a little self awareness goes a long way. Start by being aware of where you are right now, then start thinking about what will move you forward to where you want to be. Live in the now, with a clear picture of what’s next. It sounds almost too simple to work, but it’s the base that therapists have been using for decades.
The second is to seek out positive opinions that make you feel empowered. I love listening to podcasts that feed my brain, and so many are rich in thought and advice. Listening to Kwik Brain, Impact Theory or Brene Brown will help boost your brain, reset your mindset and understand that being vulnerable is ok.
The third is to listen to, or make, music. Creating and listening to a music playlist will reduce stress, boost your mood and increase your motivation. Have an old band you could not get enough of in high school or college? Get on Spotify and listen to them again and pick out your favorite songs. As a former music therapist, I know that this technique is an essential tool to help regulate emotion, especially during difficult times. Added bonus, listening to your fav tunes will probably get you up and moving, which is also important for maintaining optimal health. What’s on your playlist? Here’s what’s on mine.
