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Mindfulness, at a time like this…?

Some of you may be thinking, this is not really the time to be learning a skill like mindfulness. With all this social distancing, in the midst of a pandemic, the uncertainty of these times and what tomorrow may bring -way too stressful, right? But that is exactly why there is no time like now, to start or continue your journey with Mindfulness.

How will this really help me with what is going on in the world now? Mindfulness can help in many different ways and you can actually get a lot of bang for your buck with this one technique. Often the breath is used in mindfulness to help maintain awareness in the present moment. Using different breathing techniques can have physiological benefits that help you feel calm and relaxed. Maintaining awareness on the breath also gives you a welcomed break from your negative thoughts. You can use the breath and the calming sensation that comes with it as a way to ground and center yourself in the present.

When practicing mindfulness, your attention on the breath will drift (or even be pulled) toward other thoughts, feelings or sensations. Many people think that the goal is to be focused on the breath at all times, but this is not accurate. You are doing nothing wrong and there is no need to be frustrated when your mind drifts from the breath. When you recognize that your awareness of the breath has drifted – you simply notice the thought, feeling or sensation that you are having – then return a gentle awareness to the breath.

It is throughout this process of the mind drifting, noticing (not judging) the thought or sensation, and returning awareness to the breath that two powerful skills begin to strengthen. First, is the ability to notice a thought, let it go and shift your attention to something else (the breath) strengthens your ability to direct your attention. The second, is that by maintaining your awareness on the breath, you boost your attention and ability to focus.

Taking care of yourself is so vitally important to overall health and wellness. Reducing stress will have positive benefits on your overall immune system functioning. This one technique, offers a multitude of benefits: enhanced relaxation, feeling grounded and centered, increased focus, improved attention, and reduced stress. It can also be used with other therapeutic strategies to help heal and recover from trauma, grief, anxiety and depression. So, mindfulness, at a time like this – absolutely, because there is no time like the present to take care of yourself.

Check out some of the tools in the Stress Management section to learn more.

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Covid -19 and Telehealth

As we all try to adjust and manage this new crisis, you might feel even more isolated than ever before. Many therapists are using technology to bridge the gap between Social Distancing and Therapy Sessions. Telehealth is that bridge. Telehealth is the use of audio and video technology (similar to what many may already be familiar with like Skype and Facetime) over an internet connection via smartphone, tablet or computer. This form of therapy has been found effective and comparable to face-to-face therapy. Many clients have found teletherapy to be more helpful than they had anticipated.

To prepare for your first session, you want to identify a place to have the session where you can ensure that you will have privacy for your session. Try to close any apps or programs on your phone, tablet or computer that are not needed in order to maintain a good connection for your teletherapy session. In the event that technical issues arise, make sure that your therapist has your phone number so that they can call to help troubleshoot, or have the session over the phone if needed. Be prepared for the session, like you would if you came to the office, arriving on-time, dressed appropriately, etc. Be prepared with Kleenex if you are anticipating a difficult or emotional session. If possible avoid having sessions in bedrooms and bathrooms. If there is no alternative due to privacy, try to have a chair in the room rather than being on the bed or toilet.

For many of us, in-person or face-to-face sessions are all we have known, up until now. As with many things in life, we adapt. Teletherapy is that adaptation that is needed while we manage stress, anxiety and grief that may come with this new crisis affecting most of us today. Give it a try, talk to your therapist about any concerns that you have. Teletherapy works, it can help you function better during these trying times.