When I look back at my first blog post which is called "It's Okay Not to Be Okay" I never could imagine that what I wrote months ago would be so relevant today. After publishing the first blog post I was planning to write part 2 where I wanted to share the personal experiences which helped me get through the dark days in my life. I can now relate this so much to the time when we are all in lockdown and call this post - "tips to get through quarantine".
I believe our body and mind knows much more than we understand. Both myself and a lot of other people had a difficult time at the end of 2019 and the beginning of this year. I now think my "Inner Me" tried to prepare me for what was waiting. I know a lot of people around me experienced similar things.
I was going through a dark period in my life and found self-isolation was really helpful at that time (back in the beginning of January). Stepping aside from everyone really was the key for my personal healing. We now see everyone self-isolating to survive and fight the virus. It makes me think there is really something more behind the scenes. Maybe our mind is not ready to understand? Or... Maybe we should listen more within, learn more about ourselves and get into a better connection with ourselves.
But let's come back to the tips: how to survive dark days or how to get through the quarantine period. We are all in the same place at the moment. It depends where in the world you are and how strict is your country's quarantine but we all are more or less in isolation. A lot of people find it difficult and we can even equate this time to "grey days" of life. If you want to read my first blog post where I am talking more about dark days and that it is okay not to be okay, press here.
What's helped me to go through difficult times in my life?
Of course, being a Yoga teacher and yoga practitioner is really useful in these times because it's much easier to go through it when you have knowledge of how to deal with your feelings, emotions, body, and soul. Years ago when I went through tough times it was harder to come back on track because I did not know how I could help myself. Nowadays I know what can help me to get out of a hollow. I want to share it with you, and hopefully, it can be beneficial for someone.
The most important thing which helped me was acceptance. It doesn't matter what's happening in your life it's okay. Everything will pass and will not stay forever. We can apply this in any situation: in your personal life, at work, with friends, with kids, etc. The same concept can be used in the current situation. Just accept and know everything will be alright. There is no point judging yourself or others, or trying to find someone to blame, it will not change the situation. Just accept and don't try to control it, let it go.
The time finally is ours. No more rushing, no more running and being crazy busy. We can do whatever we want, isn't it great? After running almost all your life, it is not easy to sit and finally have time. We have the opportunity to learn more about ourselves and finally the time is now. Start meditating, it is an amazing way to grow, learn and understand the most important person in your life - YOU. Before people had excuses not to start because there was not enough time. Now there is no excuse, just sit there and be with yourself. You don't need to start with something complicated. Sitting in lotus pose for 1 hour is not the way to start your meditation journey. Start simple and short practices. Use Guided Meditations, find your own way to meditate, meditation can be in so many different forms. (read more here)
Music and sound can be a healing tool. Whenever you feel down and your energy is negative, use music. I found it brings me back to being active and positive again. If I feel I am starting to be moody I open "Happy Days" playlist with all my favourite songs which makes me smile and want to dance. Dancing is also an amazing way to change your energy and let go of all the crap from your life. Highly recommend, just try once and it will be your regular practice after you feel the results.
Stay clean inside and out. Make sure your home is clean, it will make you feel 100 times better being in a clean home than a messy place. I wouldn't say a mess is bad if it's not permanent. I love my mess at home some days, but too much of mess makes you feel heavy inside too. Just remember the feeling when you finish cleaning your home, your inside feels cleaner too. It is the same with your body, keep it clean. If you are in a bad place now or in quarantine and you are not going anywhere it doesn't mean you don't need to take a shower or change and wash your clothes. Keeping your body clean refreshes your energy too. Having a shower is a good way to release bad energy and worries. Water has the power to "let go" and renew your energy. At the moment we can't go and swim in the sea, but at least we can have a shower and get rid of all the old heavy energy. In other circumstances when we are not in quarantine and you feel overwhelmed, have a swim if the sea is nearby you, and see how fresh you feel.
Yoga practice is an amazing way to increase your serotonin levels. Yoga can be a perfect way for you to get back to a balanced life. Physical exercise (yoga poses) combined with breathing and meditation helps not only keep your body healthy but your mental health will improve too. Yoga is a union between body, mind, and soul. We are in a time when we need harmony and balance. Practice yoga 2-3 times per week or every day for at least 10 min and you will see how your days become more bright and full of good energy.
Self-love is one of the most important keys when going through difficulties in life. What exactly is self-love and self-care? There are different types of self-love definitions and it is okay, we are all different. But remember that self-love doesn't mean just caring and loving your body. Self-love, of course, can be having a bath or a massage, letting yourself eat chocolate or doing nothing all day. Self-love can be also totally contrary actions such as letting go of people who you love from your life if they are toxic to you. It can be really difficult to do it but it is self-love too. Standing up for yourself and knowing your worth even if it is really uncomfortable is also a self-love action. Please share with us "What is Self-love for you?" and maybe we can learn more about it from each other.
Gratitude is a very powerful practice, it doesn't matter what's happening in our lives, there are always people or situations or things to be really thankful for. People who practice Gratitude every day are happier than those who think negatively or can't find any sunshine in their life. A very simple technique can be applied every morning when you wake up. Firstly, when still lying in bed, think of 3 things you are grateful for that morning. You can finish your day with this practice too.
Nature is my favourite healing space. If I feel I am getting more emotional and can't find a way out, I step into the forest and it works every time. I come back more calm and relaxed. Nature has the power to heal and fill us with good energy. Walking in nature helps you to ground, to center yourself and brings back balance. Just simply being here and now clears your head and is the best way to practice being in the present moment. When you enter Nature there is nothing else just the beauty of Nature, the sound of nature, fresh air and peacefulness. Maybe at the moment, we are not free to go everywhere but there are a lot of beautiful places where you can be alone and enjoy your own time in nature.
Lying down on the sofa and doing nothing is okay for a while, but when it becomes too long, it can bring you to a deeper state of darkness and pessimism. Start something new, learn new things, remember what you wanted to try for a long time, but never found time for it. There are so many opportunities now out there: arts, music, sport, new languages, a new skill, whatever you want you can do it now. Believe in yourself and you will succeed. It doesn't mean you have to become professional, enjoy the process. It is a good time to step out of your comfort zone and just do it.
Learn and grow from tough times. There is no one in this world who didn't have difficult times. We can sit and do nothing and feel sorry for ourselves, or we can learn from it, improve our life, grow within. We are all free to choose what we want to do. What is your choice? It is a good time to reflect and go deeper to understand what's going on with your life. Remember life is a journey and we are learning from all our experiences. Sometimes we focus so much on small things that we forget to look to at the bigger picture. Be proud of yourself and all your achievements. You have already travelled so far away there is no need to be stuck, keep moving, keep learning, keep growing.
“Some beautiful paths can't be discovered without getting lost.”―Erol Ozan
There is always a way out of all situations. Just sometimes we need to push ourselves, to take this first step. Trying, and seeing the results and feeling there is light at the end of the tunnel, it helps you to keep moving forward. I shared my personal tips and what helped me the most, but there are so many more and you can maybe find something else that helps you. Share your experience with us and any recommendations which may help. Maybe it will be useful for someone out there and the thing they need to hear now. Let's support each other, let's be kind to each other and care about each other.
Namaste
Love and Light
"Yoga with Eagle"
Breath and stay calm. Namaste
Some good advice 👍