The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented situation that is sure to make anyone anxious, aside from those who already suffer from mental health. It is difficult to know how the situation will play out and what it may hold for the future as no-one has any control over it. But it’s important to take one step at a time and live in the moment.
Despite the seriousness of the pandemic, it’s important to try and conquer your anxious thoughts and feelings before you reach the stage where you’re unable to cope. To stop yourself from going into panic mode, one of the best methods to consider is the art of meditation.
If you’re new to meditation, you may be hesitant about how to get started. After all, it can be difficult for beginners to simply sit and think of ‘nothing’ when they’re used to the rush of everyday life.
If you’re stuck in quarantine, here are various meditation techniques to try out:
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness is all about concentrating the mind and body on the here and now, rather than what has happened in the past or on what may happen in the future. The practice encourages you to be aware of your thoughts and feelings as they filter through your mind, without the element of judgement.
By practicing mindfulness regularly, you’re sure to become more aware of your instinct to judge thoughts and simply set them free if they have no real importance to your happiness and well-being.
Loving-Kindness Meditation
Getting frustrated with those you’re quarantined with? Loving-kindness meditation, otherwise known as Metta meditation, could be a great option for you. Feeling angered by others in your presence is natural when you’re not used to having your space invaded every hour of every day. Metta meditation helps conquer these emotions by allowing you to embrace love and warmth towards others — even your enemies, in order to free your body of stress and tension.
As you breathe deeply, you’ll learn to instantly change your thoughts to those which contain happiness and positivity, while trying to let go of any negative emotions that are causing you to experience high levels of anxiety.
Visualization
Although traditional meditation involves the act of deep breathing, visualization meditation is a practice which allows you to think of a person or place that then becomes the focus of the session. If you’re new to meditation, this can be a challenge, but it’s all about letting your imagination run free and connecting your vision with emotions.
While in quarantine, you may be left feeling as though you’re unable to cope because you’re unable to leave your home. After all, we don’t quite know when we’ll be able to visit our favorite spots again. Why not go to your favorite place in your mind by trying to envision it? In doing so, your reality won’t seem so distant and you’ll learn to adapt to the current situation and become more content with your temporary lifestyle.