Posted: by Jo Tuesday, 17 March 2020 @ 14:10
Keeping calm and positive in
these anxious times can be a challenge, especially when many of us are glued to
news feeds and social media updates, getting a steady drip-feed of bad news.
As a brand, Mantra is
committed to being positive and uplifting, and we want to be a welcome and
inspiring guest in your inbox or on your social feed, as an antidote to all the
panic and fear that is around.
It is true that we cannot
change the things that happen to us – we can only change how we react and
respond to them. So, reacting in a balanced, calm and positive way to events
unfolding around the world is something that is completely within our control.
If we can keep ourselves calm and positive, then we have a better chance of
reassuring our children, our co-workers, our parents and our friends.
Sometimes, there are practical things
we can do, but often, it is our mindset and our mood that will have the biggest impact.
Most challenges in life are
worse because of how we think about them, and how much we worry about them –
not because of the challenge itself.
So, let’s take action where we can; but let’s also look out for, and share, positive stories and good news, to help combat
the waves of anxiety.
And here are my favourite
mantras to keep calm in difficult situations:
I
feel calm, safe and grounded
An affirmation that may not
be strictly true in the moment that you say it, but whose repetition will help
you develop that feeling of calmness. Breathe deeply, plant your feet firmly on
the ground, and say these words.
Today,
I will breathe deeper. Exhale slower. Find the stillness within me
Another great calming
mantra, to remind you to slow down your breathing, as that in itself will bring
calm. Find that still, quiet part of yourself that is hidden deep inside,
unaffected by the panic around you.
You’re
strong. You’re capable. You got this!
You have survived many
difficult days and challenging times in your life, as have the people around
you. You have an inner resilience and inner strength that you can call upon to
get you through these days also.
Diamonds
are made under pressure
A good reminder that some of
the most beautiful things on earth are produced by being subjected to huge
pressure. Pressure and difficulty are not always destructive powers. They can
be transformative in positive ways too. It is hard to see a time beyond the waves of bad news in the world – but know that some good will come out of it, in time.
What
do I need right now, to flourish?
This mantra of self-care
might seem selfish, in times of global difficulty and anxiety. But, as with the
advice to fit your own oxygen mask first, it is important to take care of
yourself, so that you can take care of others.
Can you take this
opportunity to get more sleep? Buy more fresh food, or cook different recipes?
Exercise more at home? Phone your friends and family more? What are the things
you can do to take care of yourself, to enable you to be at your best?
In
my words, thoughts and actions, I choose kindness
This is a positive and
proactive mantra to remind us all that we can use these difficult times to help
others, and look out for people who need our support. Let’s all choose to be
kind and considerate, not selfish and self-centred. See this crisis as a time to bring out your best
self.
We are in difficult and anxious times, but keeping ourselves calm is one of
the best things we can do. Try to remain as positive as you can, so you can be
a beacon of hope to others; and look for practical ways of helping people, so you
feel better in yourself.
Jo xx
