Tag: mindfulness

Social Distancing: 11 Ways to Stay Sane While Quarantined

Social distancing is incredibly necessary right now. What we’re facing with COVID-19 (Coronoavirus) is absolutely terrifying. Who would have ever imagined that the year 2020 would bring a pandemic? But here we are! 

A great deal of information and guidelines have been provided by incredible agencies, such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), and social distancing appears to be our best chance at flattening the curve.

Stopping the rapid spread of this virus is our responsibility, and by staying at home and keeping our distance from others in our communities, no matter how young or old we are, we are doing our part to literally save lives. YAY for being responsible! 

Not being able to grab brunch with the bestie, attend yoga class, go to work, or grab a beer on St. Paddy’s day is a real bummer. BUT IT’S OKAY! 

Because of the fear and panic that can be associated with a pandemic, it is important to engage in activities that help ease anxiety and improve overall mental health. 

While social distancing, consider these 11 activities to help you stay sane while quarantined:

Rest

Let’s get real—life is busy! Use this time as an opportunity to catch up on rest and sleep. Lie on the couch or bed all day and give your body the TLC that it deserves. A mani/pedi or facemask can’t hurt either!

Mindful meditation is also an excellent way to rest and ease the mind. There are plenty of excellent apps available, including Headspace, who is waiving service fees at this time, and Calm, who has also created free resources for COVID-19 as well.

Read

Because this is such a scary time, it may be helpful to get lost in a good book. Allow your mind to joyfully wander and imagine anything and everything—let the story take you to a new world—to a new life—and take it all in!

Learn

Was there ever something you always wanted to learn but felt like you never had the time? Well, there’s no time better than now! 

Want to learn French? Or to play the guitar? Or better understand physics? Want to learn how to refinish a vintage dresser? Or how to build a plant wall? Ever been curious about what it would be like to take a class at an IVY League University for FREE? The time is now, friend. You got this!

Explore

Even though we can’t be outside, there are so many places to explore! Many museums, national parks, vineyards, etc. are providing free virtual tours of their grounds. Check out the individual websites of places you’ve been interested in visiting to see if this option is available.

Enjoy the arts

Whether you’re writing, painting, drawing, coloring, reading poetry, or creating a new floral arrangement, find a way to enjoy the arts! Consider streaming Broadway musicals and plays for free too! Between bright, beautiful colors, musicals, and the light stroke of a pen, you will definitely notice a decrease in anxious feelings.

Netflix and chill

Enjoy all of the incredible entertainment platforms available. Between HBO, Hulu, Netflix, and many other streaming platforms, the options are truly endless. As of Friday, March 20th, 2020, Universal will be making current theatrical films available for home viewing as well.

Binge watching my go-to shows, Sex and the City and Friends, has been incredibly helpful for me. What’s your go-to show? Make a list and remember to include titles that spark joy, comfort, and laughter too!

Music

Music is suitable for any mood, anytime. Listening to music can be fun, relaxing, and enjoyable all at once. Make a playlist of your favorite jams and give it a play to help decrease anxiety and stress levels, and perhaps to spark some joy as well…

Get your dance on

While you’re at it, make a dance playlist! Dance it out—get all the feels and energy out by jumping around and moving your body. This can help release tension and stress, and it’s super fun! Don’t forget to channel Meredith Grey and Christina Yang (the twisted sisters) while you’re dancing it out!

Limit access to social media

It is of the utmost importance to stay informed, but social media isn’t always the most accurate place to read up on the latest news. Be sure to get your information from credible sources. Currently, the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times have allowed free access to their publications. Also, please consider utilizing the CDC and your local county website as reliable, helpful sources. 

Digital interaction

Schedule virtual dates with your loved ones! Whether for morning coffee, a silly card game, dinner, or to simultaneously watch a movie, share time together. Chat, laugh, and enjoy the company! Just because we need to be physically isolated, but not mean that we need to be socially isolated.

Get lit

Living through something like this is super frightening, so don’t forget to find the shining light amongst the darkness. Find a way to laugh each day, several times a day, and know that things will be okay. Remain hopeful. Remain joyful. Stay connected. At the end of the day, all we have is one another…

Wishing everyone health, safety, and love during this difficult time <3

Not sure how to cope when life unexpectedly punches you in the stomach? Read up on how to cope when things change drastically and quickly…

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xx,

Paula

The Importance of Connection

Connection is one of the most beautiful aspects of life and it is fading away right before our eyes. I just had my 32nd birthday, and it occurred to me just how great it is to interact with others. Whether it’s a quick conversation with a stranger on the street while our dogs say hello, or having a chat with my favorite barista, the ability to connect with another human being is both meaningful and rewarding. To hear their story or learn more about who they are provides the opportunity to see someone in a different light…what a lovely way to live…

The issue, however, is that our ability to connect decreases juuuuust a little bit more each and every time we glance down at our phones during a conversation, or text someone vs. call, or look away when passing a stranger instead of smiling. We don’t realize that connection, as we know it, is becoming obsolete, and it’s pretty devastating. 

Connection allows us to bond with others; to attach to others and build relationships. Let’s imagine just for a moment what life would look like if we didn’t have connection anymore? Where would we be without the people in our lives? Connection supports us in expanding our circles by welcoming good people and good vibes, by building stronger bonds with others, and also by learning more about ourselves.

So, what makes connection so important? And how can we continually increase and appreciate the connections we build? 

Let’s consider these 7 concepts…

Be human

Sometimes life can get so crazy that we forget what it’s like to be human. To empathize with others; to convey kindness and love. Building connection allows you to open your heart and remember how important being compassionate to others really is…

Be kind

…speaking on kindness, this is the easiest way to connect with another person. Holding the door open, helping an elderly person with their grocery bags, or simply saying “thank you” are mere examples of how we can show kindness and appreciation. It really is the little things that matter the most.

Ask questions

When engaging with another person, ask questions. Get to know them. Learn about who they are. It’s rather special to become acquainted with someone new, especially if they’re totally different than you are. Each person you encounter is unique and can teach you something valuable…

Be genuine

When you’re getting to know someone, be genuine. Ask questions you actually want answered and remember not to be judgmental. Everyone is different and should be accepted just as they are. 

Be present 

I cannot stress this enough—be present when you’re with others. Give them your undivided attention and show them how glad you are to be spending time with them. Nothing says “I don’t want to be here” more than your mind, eyes, and conversation being elsewhere.

Embrace the moment

Being present isn’t just about who you’re spending time with, but it’s also about you. Allow yourself to embrace the moment—to take in the experience. Enjoy yourself and immerse your heart in the laughter, love, and joy that’s flowing through the room. There is nothing more beautiful than being with the people you love and making new memories…

Pay attention

Put down your device and notice the energy in the room. Notice how you’re feeling, as well as how you’re making someone else feel. Pay attention to the beauty of connection and enjoy every second of the interaction…

Not sure if you’re fully present when with your partner? Check out these 7 ways to be present and strengthen the connection in your relationship…

Don’t forget to subscribe and also connect with me on Pinterest, Google+, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

xx,

Paula

The Importance of Being Present in Your Relationship

Being present in your relationship is crucial to its success as it allows you to actually be in the moment with your partner. Not only does being present impact the longevity of your relationship, but it influences your happiness as well. Being present provides you with a level of connection needed to truly embrace and recognize your love for another, and to also help remind you of the reasons in which you love this individual.

I decided to write about this topic after I spent two weeks traveling with my boyfriend. We had the greatest time. Yes, we took pictures, and yes, we communicated with family and friends, but I believe much of our enjoyment came from engaging one another throughout the trip. We did not need to unplug in order to be mindful of our time together. We laughed, we played, we explored, we were present. We focused on each other and our surroundings, and we took in the beauty of our adventure together, side by side.

Being present is a gift—a gift that allows one to experience a moment, be aware of that occurrence, and take it in. Sharing memories with the person you love should not be taken for granted, but rather, they should be cherished, protected, and safely placed in your heart and mind.

Do you find that you are your partner are able to connect? What does it feel like when the two of you share a special moment? Is there more that you can do? If you find that you and your partner are disconnected, how can you improve and strengthen your bond? Let’s talk about…

7 ways to be present and strengthen connection in your relationship:

Communicate

The most important aspect of any dynamic duo is communication. Talk to each other. Ask questions, share stories, express feelings, be present.

Make eye contact

This simple act can help remind you why you fell in love with your partner in the first place. Look at each other. Share a moment where you’re focused on one another. Gaze into your partner’s soul, and allow them to look into yours. Eye contact is a true form of intimacy…give it a shot.

Stop and listen

Take time to listen to your partner. Don’t think of what you should say next, but be present and pay attention to the words being said. Sometimes it’s the simplest gestures that can help the person across the room feel valued and heard.

Alone time

Make it a priority to spend time alone—just the two of you. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, spending a day at the local museum, or having a picnic at the park, take time to embrace your love and commitment to one another.

Be intimate

Intimacy comes in many shapes and sizes, but holding hands while walking down the street, hugging one another as you wait for the train, or simply smiling from across the room, can all be a very profound form of intimacy. It’s a way to let your partner know that you’re thinking of them, and that you seek closeness…

Share space

Share space, whether it’s sharing a home, sharing a cab, or sharing your heart. Be respectful, be kind, and let your partner in. Allow yourself to be vulnerable. Allow yourself to trust. With self-exposure comes great connection. Opening up can sometimes be difficult, so do it when you’re ready, but know that the benefits to your relationship will be gratifying…

Be mindful

A significant part of being present is being mindful. Be considerate of your partner. Be attentive; be aware. Be careful with the heart and feelings of your other half. Caring about and for one another will also deepen your bond and further strengthen your relationship.

Committing to another person isn’t just about a title or a ring—it’s not just about having someone to call your person. Commitment is about being there for the big moments, the hard times, and the nights with the couch, a box of pizza, and Netflix. Enjoy the bond in which you have built, and nurture it. Take care of love, as it is as easily lost as it is found…

being present | relationships | commitment | mindfulness | communication

Feeling stuck in your relationship? Check out these 7 ways to get yourself unstuck…

Don’t forget to subscribe and also connect with me on Pinterest, Google+, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

xx,

Paula

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