As our clinic closed last week the decision was not an easy one or made out of fear. Instead, we believe this decision can help slow the spread of COVID-19 by decreasing risk and exposure to our clients and anyone they come in contact with. We have always had the best interest of our client’s wellness as our number one priority.

While at home I’ve taken the opportunity to really observe people especially when I’m out at stores. Many are in survival mode as they move around in a frantic state, angry, and fearful. Their constant state of tension, anxiousness, and reactivity is significant. At some point we have to realize that being in this state is not healthy and have to allow ourselves to surrender to what we cannot control. Just as we teach in MFR we encourage you to take a step back and slow down. As you slow down you can notice where your body is starting to react (emotional or physical tension). Allow yourself to stop at this resistance, wait, and slowly breathe into the sensation. When you allow yourself to stop pushing, fighting, or trying to make something happen then the tension can lessen. This is the start of surrendering. When we surrender our body can relax, our anxiousness will lessen, and we have more mental clarity. This situation is NEW to all of us and we are bound to initially react, but will you allow yourself to STOP reacting and surrender?

Being at home is different for most of us. How are you filling your day? Be honest, who is spending more time in front of the TV binge watching Netflix or watching endless news coverage? Maybe you are finding yourself sitting in front of the computer or scanning Facebook on your phone/IPAD. Many of us are used to having a set schedule and now we don’t, so it becomes very easy to get into a rut as we don’t know what to do with ourselves.

As we follow the “safer at home” order, developing a daily plan and finding balance in our days will help us feel productive. Finding gratitude during this time as we have the ability to connect with our families, complete an outstanding project, or give our homes a thorough spring cleaning/organization. As you develop your daily plan find a balance between tasks that are necessary (cooking and cleaning) to tasks that make you happy (playing with your animals or kids) to wellness tasks that allow self-care (meditation, exercise, MFR self-treatment). Schedule these tasks like daily work meetings. For example, from 7am-7:30am (yoga), 10am-10:15am (Join Amy LIVE on Facebook), 11am-11:30am (purge/clean bedroom closet), 5pm-6pm (FaceTime family dinner with mom and dad). Having a plan helps bring structure to our day.

We are all in this together and now more than ever it is critical that we support each other. Many people are putting themselves at risk to continue to support us (local cashier at the grocery store, medical staff, restaurants providing curbside pick-up). Support them with patience, kindness, a warm smile, compassion, and a simple thank you. If you are able to continue to work for your family be grateful and appreciative of this opportunity because many aren’t able to work and may be struggling. For those of us that aren’t able to continue to work our roles have changed, but it doesn’t mean we aren’t contributing to our families. This was difficult for me at first because I’m not contributing financially to my household, but my husband was quick to mention that my contribution is just as important. My new role is completing tasks around the house, both inside and outside which is very important as it will set us up for an easier transition into summer.

Right now we have a lot of unknowns, but we can all bring our energy together with a common goal of peace, healing and joy. It’s time to let go of the negativity as it brings people down and continues to fuel hatred and fear. We are all in this together so let’s choose to FUEL HOPE.

Lastly, what can we all do to make a positive difference? Reach out to an elderly neighbor or someone at high risk and ask if they need help or any errands run. Have an arts and crafts day with your kids where they make hearts and attach them all over your front door as a sign of love and hope. Ask your friends and family to do the same. Imagine what it will feel like walking down your street and seeing everyone’s front doors filled with hearts. It will show that we all have the same goal and positive thinking. If you have the ability, donate to your local food pantry. We are all in this together so let’s find ways to support each other.

Please stay at home for now and stay safe. We at NBT are here to support you. Reach out via email or phone if you need guidance or support.