Mindful or Mind Full?
I want to start by addressing the elephant in the room: COVID-19.
There are a million thoughts running through my mind. How serious is this virus? When will it end? When can I resume my normal life again? What’s going to happen with my finances? Do I have it? It’s never ending…
And if you’re like me, you’re conflicted between constantly updating yourself on all the COVID stats and news and simultaneously wanting to read or hear something completely unrelated.
It’s no question that everyone is being affected differently by the COVID-19 outbreak. As I sit at home practicing my social distancing, I am faced with the most daunting task: deciding how I should spend my time. Should I relax, take it easy, go for a walk, enjoy a nap? Should I pick up a new hobby? Or should I use this time to get started on a work task I’ve been putting off for months?
Does it matter?
I’ve been thinking a lot about mindfulness lately. Many people think of mindfulness as part of a meditation, but the true definition according to the Oxford dictionary is: “focusing one’s awareness on the present moment”. It’s being aware of what you’re doing at all times. There is growing research that mindfulness improves both mental and physical health.
So I’ve challenged myself to be fully present, no matter what I’m doing during this time. And I challenge you do to the same.
Forced to watch your kids while they’re out of school? Learn something new about them.
Driving to check in on your parents? Enjoy the quiet roads.
Grocery shopping? Ignore the panic around you and take in a deep breath.
Getting antsy at home? Try these mindful activities:
Bake something delicious
Start journaling
Practice yoga, or simply, stretching
Connect virtually: chat with an old friend, host a friends workout or simply, check-in on your former colleagues
Today, more than ever, let’s be “together”. Not in the physical sense, of course, but understanding that we are all going through the same thing. So be kinder. Offer to help. Get in touch with your empathetic side and be present.
And whatever you decide to do I challenge you, during this scary time, to always ask yourself:
Mindful or Mind Full?
Sandra Ghaly, Pelvic Floor & Paediatric Physiotherapist
Sandra graduated from Dalhousie University with a Masters degree in Physiotherapy after completing her Bachelor of Kinesiology degree with honours from McMaster University. She has worked with a variety of clientele but has developed a true passion in working with both the paediatric and women’s health populations. Sandra has extensive experience assessing and treating a variety of paediatric conditions and most recently has become certified as a pelvic health physiotherapist. She also has additional training in acupuncture and kinesiotaping. Sandra finds great value in guiding each individual through a tailored rehabilitation program to optimize their function and quality of life. In her free time, Sandra enjoys yoga, pilates, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
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