Mind-Body Health

A Guide to Resilience on World Health Day

A Guide to Resilience on World Health Day
Staying healthy is at the top of everyone’s mind in times like these, and on April 7, the globe recognizes World Health Day. As the world works to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, there are a few easy ways you can keep track of your health and wellness on World Health Day and every day after.

Emotional Health

1. It’s OK to Cry

These are emotional times. We’re all dealing with the collective trauma of a new life since the COVID-19 outbreak. It is OK to cry. Whether you’re an empath or not, you are most likely navigating the energy of your newfound isolation, the anxiety of your friends, and readjusting to new life routines. You deserve an emotional release, and tears can be the perfect way to purify yourself emotionally. Let go, let your tears flow, and do not beat yourself up about it.

2. Take Time to Self-Reflect

Taking the time to reflect is a powerful tool for emotional wellness. Remind yourself that despite all the changes going on around you, there’s still a lot to be grateful for. Reflect and take stock of the many blessings still in your life. Do you have a safe place to shelter in place? Are your loved ones healthy? Are you virus-free? Is your body still functioning every day? If so, there’s a lot to be grateful for.

3. Express Emotions

The best thing you can do for yourself and for others during this time is share. Share your thoughts, your worries, a joke, or a smile. As you are distancing yourself from others, kind words and gestures are invaluable. Whenever you can engage with someone, try to make it rooted in love and kindness. It will keep you healthy and may just change someone else’s day for the better. It’s important to release your emotions and not keep them bottled in. Share love and a smile whenever you can.

Mental Health

1. Take a Media Break

Turn the TV off, leave your phone on the charger, and unplug IRL (in real life)! All of the social media feeds, news, podcasts, and bloggers can wait. They’re all talking about the same thing right now anyway. Give your brain a break, even if it’s only for a few hours. Put on some music when you are making a meal, light some candles and run a bath, and take time to talk to your family or housemates completely distraction-free. Once you get intentional about your social media breaks, you’ll realize there is plenty to do.

2. Schedule Social Interactions with Loved Ones

In the age of social distancing, your phone can be what keeps you connected to others. So, once you’ve given yourself enough of a social media break, grab your phone and give someone you love a call. You may be physically distant from others, but that doesn’t mean you can’t regularly check-in. In fact, it’s needed more than ever now.

3. Have a Digital Dance Party

One of the coolest new ways people are connecting today is through music and movement. Popular musicians and DJs are hosting digital parties through social media. You could be dancing in your living room to the same music as your favorite celebrities, friends in another country, or just doing it for yourself. Being confined in your home can make you feel stiff and stagnant. Get up and move, play your favorite song, or log into a digital dance party with folks from all over the globe—it’s good for your body, mind, and spirit.

Physical Health

1. Try Yoga

You are probably moving around a little less now, taking fewer steps every day than you usually would. And while you’re keeping safe at home, it may not be easy to just get up and work out.

Yoga is a fitness alternative if you have limited space. It’s also a practice that not only helps your body but also incorporates mental and spiritual health. If you don’t have a personal practice, YouTube and other social media sites are a great place to find a quick yoga class to loosen your muscles, silence your mind, and bring peace of mind to your spirit.

2. Practice Healthy Eating

What you put into your body has a direct effect on how you feel physically and emotionally. While it may be easy to order takeout, you deserve better. Just because you’re in a transitional period, doesn’t mean that you have to binge on junk food. Eating clean and organic will help you maintain good health and a strong immune system. It will make you feel emotionally lighter and you’ll have zero guilt about what your feeding yourself and your loved ones.

3. Sleep

To say this is a draining time, would be an understatement. Essential workers are pulling double shifts, parents are now educators and the heads of the household, and working from home can mean working more than ever. It is a critical time to make sure that with all the newfound routines of your life you’re also getting plenty of rest. Take advantage of the fact that you don’t have to rush to the office or get the kids out of the door. Get as much sleep as you can, but also shoot for the recommended eight hours a night. Your body will thank you for it.

Spiritual Health

1. Meditate

Mental health is more important than ever now. Your mental health is directly connected to your physical wellness and immune system. You can’t be well if you’re not mentally well. Being able to center and silence your thoughts and your mind will help you live a more mindful, intentional, and joyful life. A small meditation practice every day can transform you and those around you for the better.

2. Honor Traditions

It feels like just about everything is changing right now. Life as you know it has changed, but there are still traditions and practices that you can maintain. Easter and Passover are around the corner, and while you may not be able to physically go to a place of worship or a Seder dinner, you can still honor the traditions that are important to you. Hold on to your faith, beliefs, and spiritual practices and hold them dear. They will help bring some calm to this new normal.

3. Try Breathwork and Chanting

Your breath and your nervous system are connected. If you are dealing with anxiety right now, as many are, being aware of your breathing can help you cope. There are many breathwork practices that you can do at any time that will help calm your nervous system and ease your anxiety. Slowing and deepening your breath is the first and easiest step.

Let today be a reminder that you should continue to prioritize the totality of your health. Holistic wellness is about your emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual health. Give yourself all the things you need to stay well today and beyond.

Find more tools to build resilience and find ease on the Chopra App, available now.