United in Strength

At a time like this, we are reminded more than ever how connected the world is and we are encouraged by our capacity as individuals and a community to support one another. So first let me ask, how are you doing?

Whatever you are feeling, you are not alone. In this time of great uncertainty, your character’s strengths—the positive parts of your personality that impact how you think, feel and behave—are also here to help guide you. All you need to do is tap into these strengths.

What You Can Do Today

Without your usual routines, you may be wondering what to do while social distancing or quarantining. Your unique strengths are a great tool to help! Below are a few research-backed tips to activate your character strengths to uplift you and help fight the signs of stress, anxiety, and depression caused by this isolation.

 Create Social Connection. We are social beings at our core, so social isolation runs the risk of leading to meaningful psychological distress. While these physical measures are necessary for our health, we still have the opportunity to stay connected. Applying your strengths of Love and Kindness to stay in touch can be one of the best anxiety therapy—and keep in mind that hearing a voice and seeing a face can enhance connectedness and is beyond texting.

 Maintain Healthy Relationships. The flip side of social isolation is that many people will be isolated together, creating a forced physical closeness that can cause distress and anxiety. For healthy relationships, we all need to regulate our closeness and distance from each other. Before reacting to someone’s request for “personal space,” try applying your strength of social intelligence to consider their needs and emotions. Now, more than ever, we can be more generous in offering each other allowances for time out from one another.

 Try New Hobbies. Many recreational activities such as going to restaurants, movies, gyms, concerts, etc. are currently restricted and not options for managing our stress via relaxation. Your strength of creativity can help you think of alternate ways to continue to find enjoyment, exercise, and calm your mind and body. Or use your strength of curiosity to learn new things or try a new hobby. Research has shown that learning something new is an effective way to manage stress and is great anti-anxiety therapy.

 Find the Silver Lining. Now is a time for HOPE that the virus will become reasonably contained, and effective treatment for the illness and immunization against it will come sooner than later. Turn to your strengths of Perseverance and love of learning to work on projects you may now have time to attend to. Don’t set aspirations aside. Try to keep forward progress when you can.

 LOOK FOR THE GOOD

When times are tough, your strengths will make you shine. Choose to see the love, kindness, teamwork, and bravery around you. Focusing on your greatest qualities, and those of others, this will help you feel more in control and centered during major life changes.

How can you do this? Actively look for strengths in your daily life.

Think about how you have used creativity, prudence, judgment, and hope in the past few days. Now, continue to explore this! Research shows that using your strengths in new ways can increase happiness and overcome anxiety and depression.

ACTIVITIES TO EXPLORE YOUR STRENGTHS

Here are 2 simple ways you can continue to activate your strengths. We strongly recommend you read each one and DO them!

1. LOVING-KINDNESS MEDITATION

The loving-Kindness practice is a meditation that involves directing love toward yourself, other people and all living beings. It boosts self-compassion and positive emotions.

2. Boost Compassion with This Activity

The loving-Kindness practice is a meditation that involves directing love toward yourself, other people and all living beings. It boosts self-compassion and positive emotions.

How to Do It

 Find a comfortable space to sit quietly and take a few deep, restorative breaths.

 Take a few moments to say the following statements to yourself and truly reflect on the meaning behind them:

• May I be filled with loving-kindness.
• May I be safe from inner and outer dangers.
• May I be well in body and mind.
• May I be at ease and happy. 
• Now, think of the people in your life that you love. Say the statements again, replacing “I” with “you” and imagine those individuals as you say each.

Why Do It

Science shows that positive vibrations promote self-compassion, such as this meditation and can decrease anxiety boost feelings of happiness and optimism. It helps not only you but all your near and dear ones to stay calm and positive.

3. Focus On Gratitude With This Activity

Gratitude is one of the character strengths that is most connected with happiness. When you are going through a difficult time, attending to what is good in your life can shift your perspective and decrease negative emotions. Boost your strength of gratitude with our Three Good Things activity now.

How To Do It

 At the end of today, think back on the good things that occurred.

 Write down three things that went well and why they went well.

 Look for the strengths that you used and only share the positives you see in people around you.

Why Do It

This activity helps you focus on what is good in your life and helps to shift your perspective and decrease negative emotions.

According to science, this Three Good Things exercise can help you overcome habituation to the good things in your life and increases the meaning in them. When you slow down to look at the details, you have a greater appreciation for the small things that matter.

TALK TO AN EXPERT!

We all have the strength of character but times like these can make survival hard. Don’t shy away from asking for help.  Best wellness centers in Gurgaon and experts across the country have shifted to online consultations and are offering help to people in need. As for Metabalance Healthcare, we too are open for teleconsultations. So, if you or anyone around you is struggling to cope up, we suggest you reach out to us and consult us from the safe proximity.