Even if you’re a nervous system regulation ninja, times like this can get us dysregulated. And the health of our nervous system impacts our patience levels, our anxiety levels, our reactivity, our ability to stay present, our sleep, our productivity…and, because our kids co-regulate TO US, it impacts our kids. So there are many benefits to making this a priority. (Check out this podcast episode to better understand our kids “bad” behaviors and how their behavior relates to our nervous systems)
TIPS AND RESOURCES TO HELP KEEP YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM CALM DURING THE CORONAVIRUS SHELTER-IN-PLACE TIMES
• Reduce your consumption of the news and social media. We all know that it’s designed to suck us in and stoke the flames of fear. Yes, stay updated, but as quickly as you can, pull yourself away.
• Practice gratitude and have a positive bias toward circumstances and people. Gratitude is one of the most effective tools for well-being. If you want to involve your kids, you can create a gratitude jar and put one thing in the jar each day.
• Keep a regular exercise practice. Consider Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, light jogging, hiking, and walking. If it’s possible, get out into nature. Explore online programs like BeachBody OnDemand, Steezy Online Dance or Glo.com for workout classes streamed right to your home. See if you can get your kids to work out with you!
• Initiate a regular meditation practice. Check out the Insight Timer or Calm.com apps. Ask your kids if they have some mindfulness tools they can teach you. Here are some ongoing live streaming meditations:
• Copper Beech
• Tara Brach Facebook Lives
• Free Daily Meditation from Health Journeys
• Play is so good for our nervous systems! Carve out time each day to play, or to create art or listen to (or play) music. Play board games, do puzzles, roll around on the floor, make forts, sing songs, dance.
• Prioritize your relationships. It’s normal to have an adjustment period as you and your family are confined to your homes. Our relationships are the most important thing we all have, so spend time adjusting, reconnecting and finding your way together. Supportive relationships are good for our nervous systems.
