Yes, here we are again in lockdown and it can feel incredibly frustrating. In case you didn’t know, as of this week, much of Australia is facing quite strict lockdown restrictions again as we battle rising COVID infections.

Shout out to my readers who find themselves in the following situations –

• Juggling a big job along with home schooling – you deserve a gold medal!!
• Dealing with relationship breakdowns, other illness, family trauma or just plain loneliness from the isolation
• And a special mention for those who are out of work and wondering if you’ll ever work again. The economy just starts to pick up, and then we slide back down into negativity as another wave and lockdown hits. It’s tough!

I can feel my own levels of anxiety increasing and much of it is of my own making.  Amusingly I can see an inverse correlation between my mood going down and my doomsday scrolling going up!  But I can’t seem to stop.

I think you get the point. It’s a vicious cycle. It needs a circuit breaker and I’ve got one I’d love to share with you.

INTRODUCING TINY TWO MINUTE TOOLS

As a long term yogi, yoga teacher and meditator some of the tools I use to help manage this are short bouts of meditation and breath work.  I like them because they are quick, circuit breaking activities that can be done at the home office desk between Zooms or just before you indulge in that extra glass of red …. (oh, is that just me?) …. err kombucha.

Many people find meditation hard, and the thought of doing it even worse, but it doesn’t have to be. That’s why I’m a huge advocate of Tiny Two Minute Meditations, especially at times like this.

Here’s a brilliant Tiny Two Minute Meditation that’s suitable for anyone from beginners to advanced.

INSTRUCTIONS

Find a quiet place to sit or lie down where you won’t get disturbed or distracted for at least two minutes.

Close your eyes.

Pause for a moment and just breathe – focusing on the in and out of your breath.

Then repeat the following statements slowly with each breath

• Breath 1 – “I am safe”
• Breath 2 – “I am worthy”
• Breath 3 – “I am loved”
• Breath 4 – “I am enough”

Repeat 3 or 4 times and then let it go.

Pause a while longer and just observe the down regulating effect this has on your body and mind.

Then open your eyes and get ready to face the rest of your day with a fresh perspective.

THE RATIONALE

The meditation that you do is far better than the meditation that you think about doing but never get around to. Research proves that even two minutes of meditation provides significant benefit.

WHY ELSE DO I LIKE IT?

It’s a quick and easy circuit breaker. Even just one round through is enough to make you feel more present in the moment, and less prone to doomsday scrolling.

As a result you’ll feel lighter, more in control, more optimistic and less stressed. You may even be inspired to create more time later in the day for a longer guided meditation.

Drop me a note if you’d like a recommendation. There are some amazing resources out there with phenomenal teachers who can really help manage escalating anxiety and stress.

The sacred and divine in me acknowledges the sacred and divine in you, and in everyone (namaste)

#womenofimpact #LookOutCSuiteHereSheComes #ICreateSheroes