by Natasha S. Chacon
I’m no expert, but what I definitely am is an artist, Alexander Technique Teacher, and a meditation student. Having these 3 particular practices under my belt here are some tips from my experience that can help keep your Spirits up during this time:
Notice your breath- wait, not if you have bad or good breath today (although I do hope you are remembering to brush your teeth friends!) but if you are breathing full, medium or short breaths, fast or slower breaths and where in your body you feel your breath is coming from. Your breath is an anchor to your body and what is actually happening in real time, in the “now”, so noticing it helps you recalibrate where you actually are in your body at that moment. If you aren’t used to this practice, I recommend noticing your breath even just once a day while you are doing some activity in or out of the house. For example: you are washing the dishes or putting them away in the dishwasher, then think, “I am going to pause for a moment and notice my breath. Is it fast or slow? Deep or shallow? Where in my body is it coming from?”. Just notice a couple of things about it. Then continue with your activity.
Notice your pain- if you have aches or pains in your body that you happen to notice suddenly take advantage and check in with yourself about it. For example if you notice your neck is in pain you may think or say out loud to yourself or your partner: “Oof, my neck is feeling really tense and achy at the moment. I wonder if I can release even a tiny bit of that tension in my neck by just thinking it “free” or “light” or “softer”. The Important part here is to just THINK it guys, not to DO anything about it like a big stretch that could tweak your neck even more! Of course, a small gentle stretch is ok, but the practice is to THINK your neck light, or free. Just THINK it lightly, like a wishful thought, and see if there is even a slight release or change.
Do or make something creative- art has saved my life many many many times, and I believe it is so important for us to have art in our lives in whatever capacity possible. Since most everyone has children, it can be as simple as drawing or coloring with your children when you have 15 minutes of free time, or even doing something artistic after they have gone to bed on your own or with your partner. Sing a song that you like out loud for 5 minutes, or dance around in your living room or bedroom for 2 minutes to some music you love(with or without children). I know sometimes these things can make us feel self-conscious or insecure, but I really encourage you to try it out at least a few times and see if it makes any kind of a difference in your spirit! It’s ok if it doesn’t, too! Just keep noticing... !
Take a short to medium walk every day- my Alexander Technique teacher who is 82 years old takes a walk every day, does no exercise, eats nutritious meals and is in very good health! This is why I am advising you to take a walk once a day and notice the sky, the trees, the plants, the houses, your feet moving, your breath as you walk. Basically notice your surroundings and just keep walking for even just 10 minutes a day with, or without your children!
Drink your water with mindfulness- this is a friendly reminder to stay hydrated, but also to really be mindful of how you are drinking your water. Maybe notice your gulps, the way the water is contacting your mouth, your tongue, your teeth, or if it’s cold, or room temperature. I need to practice this one more myself, but since water is one of the most nourishing liquids we can gift ourselves throughout the day I just wonder if we can notice ourselves drinking the water in a more conscious way!
