Overcoming Loneliness! :)

During the pandemic, most of us have faced loneliness of being quarantining in our houses. As humans it’s normal to crave for attention. There is a direct relationship between loneliness and depression. The more lonely you feel the more depressed you’ll be for need for having company. Both are negative energy which tend to multiply causing harm to our mental health. Happiness is a strong positive vibe which can drive the darkness of loneliness away.

It’s always easy to advise others but when it comes to implementing the same for us we procrastinate. In this phase of despair, the human race has been encouraging each other to stand united. We all are together in this. And each one has paused their life. It is the time where there is a thin line between indulging and building your lifestyle better or ruining it with bad habits which will be harmful for your physical and mental health.

Loneliness can be physical as well mental. We need to overcome this negative energy. Here are some ways which can be helpful.

1. Write down your thoughts – Over thinking is normal behavior. First we need to direct our thoughts in right channel so that once the direction is proper we will end up in the correct path. Our thoughts can vary from person to person depending on our circle of people we spend most time with. Habits also are part of thought process. When you start journaling things which are going in your mind, it will help to know the root cause of this situation. Start with having two separate pages or divide the page into two side. One side note only the good and positive feeling about this phase. Mention how would you guide yourself out of it by thinking of solutions. Because in the end it’s your decision to stay in the dark or get up and walk away towards the light. In the other side express your vulnerability and negativity. Let all those emotions flow out. There is a rule for this exercise. For every one negative thing you add, you’ll have to add two positive things on the other side. Initially it will be difficult since we have only negativity. But eventually you’ll learn to chase the light.

2. Listen to a podcast – In today’s world everything is available online on the internet. There so plenty of people to inspire us. Find the podcast which elevates your current situation and will pull you up towards positivity. In case you think podcast are too long and you don’t want something short then I would recommend to listen “7 Good minutes self improvement podcast” by Clyde Lee Dennis. This podcast is only seven minutes long. I’m sure we can give at least 7 minutes while we multitask our busy life routine. Another few podcasts which I would suggest are:

  • “Empower Her” Kacia Fitzgerald
  • “Unf*ck Your Brain” by Kara Loewentheil
  • “Earn Your Happy” by Lori Harder
  • “Positively unlimited podcast” by Chetna.

I am pretty sure there are more podcasts which you might have heard so please feel free to comment it below and share it with others.

3. Talk to the people whom inspire you – Most of us have a friend circle which are mood booster. In case you feel drained after talking to your friends then perhaps they are not pushing you towards your best potential. Maybe you need to change your environment. Have people who elevate your self confidence. After talking to them you should not feel drained.

4. Clean the clutter- We have been so busy in our lives that we often do not clean and tidy our rooms regularly. Decluttering helps to make room for new arrangements. Also mentally we have a sense of feeling lighter.

5. Don’t go back to past or toxic relationships – We often feel lonely when we give the power to the other person for our happiness. We forget that happiness lies within us. Do not try to mend to past bond which was broken for a reason. In case of a recent breakup, contacting your ex during the times of loneliness is never a good idea. Remember, you miss the feeling you shared not the person who wasn’t the way you thought it would work out.

6. Indulge in new hobby – Its never too late to learn something new. If you are confused what could you possibly do perhaps this list might be useful – learn a musical instrument, dancing, singing, workout or exercise, knitting, painting (glass painting, pot painting, canvas painting), reading, cooking, learning a new language, origami, embroidery, paper quilling, etc.

7. Self assurance- Talking to yourself can be helpful. I know it sounds crazy but I have tried it personally. It helps to calm down and relax along with boosting self confidence.

8. Draw patterns – There is a remedy to calm down our anxiety by drawing. No one is an artist but we all have doodled in that boring lecture in school. Did you know that even following patterns of lines and shapes can be a destress? Drawing zentangles (picture of what I have drawn below) includes different patterns in every box. In the end it’s beautiful to see how the artwork turns out to be artist.

8. Ask a consultant – I am not an expert to advise full proof ways. You can always consult a therapist or consultant who help you out. I am sure they have an expert opinion on recommending solutions of overcoming loneliness.

“Don’t let the past blackmail your present to ruin a beautiful future”

Shah Rukh Khan, Dear Zindagi (Bollywood movie)

    Stay tuned for more post till then stay happy and safe. Be a source to spread the positive vibes. 🙂

    Inner Peace :)

    Our priorities have changed by focusing more on physical health than our mental health. Stress, worry and depression are being part of our lives. And we don’t need such negativity which constantly pulls us down. We need to uplift ourselves. Finding inner peace is what we need to do when we seek happiness.

    There are five easy steps we can take towards mindfulness while dealing with worries and uncertainty in life.

    1. Improve sleeping patterns – Our mind and body have a direct relationship with sleep. If our body doesn’t get enough sleep then our mind won’t be able to function properly. A healthy mindfulness begins having a goodnight sleep. In case someone is facing difficulty sleeping try the following :

    • Eat a light and early dinner
    • Drink a warm milk
    • Plan your morning routine in advance
    • Keep electronic devices aside ( phone, TV, computer, social media etc)
    • Practice deep breathing exercise

    2. Acceptance – Stop stressing about the problem. Overthinking will only drain your energy. Instead convert that energy into positive vibes. It will help for spreading around hope and harmony. Train our mind to accept the circumstances. Unless we calm our mind, there will always be panic in it. Accepting the present situation helps cultivating a sense of inner peace. When we attained that peace, we have a calm mind and strength. This will result in having less anxiety or fear. Focus on the positive aspect in any situation as it will help you find the sunshine in the darkness. Chase the light of hope.

    3. Meditation– Practicing meditation will help to find inner peace for calming our mind that has plenty of thoughts going on all the time. Allow your mind relax and calm down. Download a guided meditation podcast (Daily meditation podcast by Mary Meckley) or app (Insight Timer ) or find it on YouTube. Each one has a different music (zen music, flowing water, nature, birds, etc) to calm themselves. Personally I like zen music but each one of us might like something else. Until you try to meditate, you won’t know which one instantly calms your mind. Do not let negativity of the uncertainty phase pull you down in any manner. While meditation say a positive affirmation to yourself. It will help to boost self confidence. Repeat it in your mind. It’s a secret to manifest a goal.

    4. Eating healthy – The body and mind are interconnected. We need to take care of both by using our inner power to choose whether we eat healthy or not. In my earlier post, I have mentioned types of food will boost our immune system.

    5. Pray – Regardless of our religion, we all bow our heads to the creator of the world. Do not give up on the hope in yourself. In the end miracles will happen and things will get better. Pray towards spiritual guidance and to receive strength for overcoming this phase of life.

    “Anything is possible when you have inner peace”

    Master Shifu, Kung Fu Panda, Disney

    Make every attempt to spread the positive vibe! More in next blog. Stay tuned 🙂

    Prioritizing Health is Self Care! :)

    Irrespective of any problems or challenges one is facing, we are now struggling with a common issue of COVID-19. All of a sudden everyone has paused their daily busy routine and have begun to focus on themselves. Everyone is now washing hands regularly and practicing self care to the highest possible manner. With this change in routine many companies have granted permission to their employees to work remotely aka work from home. There is panic and stress surrounding us. We should stand and support each other in this phase of uncertainty.

    Our generation has been so time oriented that we add all the appointments in our calendars. We like to schedule ahead with a specific target to be achieved in that particular time frame. When things don’t go as planned we tend to panic and we do not accept the uncertain events. We need to learn to stay calm and embrace the situation to find the hidden mystery in this uncertainty.

    Apart for the instruction of washing hands regularly, we should focus to build our immune system much stronger for resistance. Since most of us have been home, we can try simple home remedies (Ayurveda) to keep ourselves healthier. A balanced diet is the core foundation of staying healthy. It’s never too late for switching to healthy eating options. There are easily available ingredient in our kitchen. These can be included in our appetite to build a strong immune system.

    We should add foods which are all rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Zinc & Selenium.

    • Fruits – papaya, dried dates, orange.
    • Nuts & Oilseeds – almonds, sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds.
    • Spices – garlic, ginger, parsley, mint leaves, turmeric, cinnamon.
    • Vegetables – carrots, bell peppers, celery, sweet potato.
    • Grains – lentils, beans, black eye peas.
    • Whole eggs

    In order to boost your immunity, we need to first ensure that we don’t have a deficiency of any single nutrient. Vitamin D, B12, Iron are some of the most common deficiencies right now. Taking the following supplements daily of Vitamin C , Vitamin D, Zinc for the next 2-3 weeks to keep your immunity up.

    Drinking tea can be another way to boost your endurance. Lemon ginger tea is a simple, soothing, and effective immune booster that you can make in just a few minutes. Ginger is known for its medicinal properties, including a high level of antioxidants. Lemon contain high levels of vitamin C and all of which will enhance your immunity. In short, a warm cup of lemon ginger tea is an effective (and tasty) way to boost your immune system and keep you feeling healthy.

    Sleeping patterns also have a huge impact on our immunity system. Make sure you get 7-8 hours of sleep regularly. The body needs rest so that it can function properly. Avoid staying awake during sleeping hours. Listen to your body.

    “To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.”

    Buddha

    Take that extra care towards loving yourself a little more. A healthy mind resides in a healthy body. Its never too late to focus on self care. More in the next blog! Stay tuned.

    Be Safe. Stay healthy and strong! 🙂

    All we need is a little sunshine! :)

    It’s a human tendency to always look for validations in whatever task we do. And that’s how we get influenced. Most of the times we get pulled down adjusting ourselves with the social norms which have been preset. Isn’t it strange that we cannot violate even in today’s 21st century?

    In the end we all go through stress creating a pattern of worries which affects us. We tend to find ways to get rid and not fall in this vicious cycle but then in the end we fail ending in giving up on the situation because we are helpless

    Do you ever think what if there was someone to guide you through this phase? What if that person was YOU and not others? Could you be your own inspiration and write the story of you life by taking charge? Of course! Here are two simple way:

    The first step to this is ACCEPTANCE. Whatever is the scenario, always accept since nothing can be changed from the past. Breathe let it go. Remember you are stronger than the storms you are facing right now which is a temporary and wont last forever.

    The second step is to write down your thoughts. This involves two parts, to vent out how you feel describing all the vulnerabilities. Other is going to be a letter from the FUTURE yourself (who has fearlessly overcome the problem) to the PRESENT you (who is still miserable in pain). I know this sounds ridiculous in today’s age where we need family and friends around to support us. But then give it a try to this method as its a first step toward LOVING YOURSELF more.

    In the end, its YOU who was courageous to defeat the negativity. Its time to be your own hero in your life by taking control. Don’t let others tell you what to do. Because in the end its your body, mind and soul which will never leave you when the rest of the things around constantly keep changing and evolving. While writing (or can maintain a journal) in the beginning it could be difficult but eventually you will realize that you were the brave one who was the sunshine in the darkness! 🙂

    “Have Courage and Be Kind” – Cinderella

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