As we read the news around the Coronavirus COVID-19, talk to our colleagues, family and friends some of us are feeling so overwhelmed, so gripped by fear that we are not thinking clearly.
Please know that we have the ability to react to this situation in several ways. We can follow the herd and continue to stock up like a famine/plague is descending upon us, stocking up with toilet paper and other necessities in a state of total fear or we can take a deep breath and calm down. We have a choice with how we deal with this pandemic in a more helpful way. Begin by absolutely acknowledging any fear and/or negative emotions you are experiencing fully. By bringing awareness to how we feel, we can choose our next steps with more rational clarity. Do we really want to stay in fight/flight or in elevated stress hormones (high cortisol and high beta brainwaves), as if we are being chased by a lion and are running away from an attacker for hours, days, weeks or months? Hopefully not because it drains our immune system and stops us making balanced choices. When we are in a prolonged state of high stress, we shut down the Neocortex part of our brain which helps us to make rational decisions and instead we use the Reptilian part which helps us focus on immediate survival like animals and not like normal human beings, we are able to make rational conscious choices if we re-focus our attention. What can we do about this? We can decide that we will stop looking at the news feeling fearful and instead with an attitude of managed concern which is a mental and emotional state that can leave us informed but not infected and debilitated by the virus. Returning our attention to the good in our lives, focusing on being or staying healthy, being happy, being aware of our thoughts and returning to more helpful and positive thoughts when we find ourselves returning to fear-based thinking. The problem with focusing a large part of our attention on the virus is that fighting it, talking about it, feeling it, thinking about it, increases the likelihood that you will get it because when you focus on the unwanted aspect of something in an effort of pushing it away from you, it comes closer to you because what you give your energy to, you bring to you. It is irrelevant whether you want it or not. If we deeply believe that we are healthy, that we will continue to stay healthy and laugh off the fear, seeing it as unnecessary and unhelpful, we will more than likely stay healthy. Our immune system is not as strong and does not continue to regenerate health and repair when we are in a heightened state of fear. It shuts down to focus the body's energy on survival. By realising that and consciously changing our state we can come back into alignment. Using the following SUGGESTIONS will help. We want to get back into low beta brainwaves so that all parts of our brain are working coherently (Neocortex, limbic and reptilian). My suggestion is to look after yourself and your loved ones by - Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water Eating citrus fruits or take high-quality Vitamin C supplements daily Continuing to eat healthily Get outside into the sunshine for 30-minutes each day Going for a nice walk, bike ride, yoga or some form of exercise as this will increase oxytocin levels and this makes us feel happier Where possible grounding yourself by going barefoot on the moist grass, or at your local beach every day for a few minutes Listen to happy and uplifting music Being grateful for your health and know that we will get through this blip Taking calm deep breaths for 5-minutes at a time, in and out through your nose multiple times a day. Imagine counting in as you breath in through your nose for 4 counts, holding for 2 counts, breathing out for 6+ counts. As you breathe in, imagine that you are breathing in through your heart, saying to yourself "I am breathing in health” and on the exhale say in your mind “I am breathing out fear/stress/anger/frustration” or whatever you need to let go off. This will help to get back into heart and brain coherence if performed several times a day Meditate daily - bringing your focus inwards. Having a mantra of "Health" in your meditations will help. Know and feel that you are healthy and that you are immune to this virus. Staying in a deep state of gratitude, happiness and calm. Repeat the following affirmation many times a day if you would like to - I am strong and I will continue to stay healthy, I am calm and filled with compassion! Conclusion - Working on being in a coherent heart and mind state as much as possible. Managed concern is ok and continue focusing staying healthy. Big Hug, Nicole If you would like to learn more or to book in a coaching session get in touch - nicole@nicolewijngaarden.com
0 Comments
![]() For many of you, I know that the days leading up to next week will be madly stressful and busy with Christmas shopping, juggling work and children as well all the usual festive preparations. If you are struggling, remember to take some time out for yourself. Options may include:
To book coaching: Call - 04 499 5732 or 02102625148 Email - office@capitalsportsmed.co.nz If you or a loved one, are:
Personal Growth is not just for you - in order to help you grow, I continue to further my education and I have just gained my HeartMath Coaching Certification which is very exciting. Central Location I am part of the integrated sports clinic of Capital Sports Medicine. They are one of Wellington's oldest and most respected clinics and offer a diverse range of services; Physios, Sports Massage, Sports Nutritionist, Sports Doctor, Podiatry, Hearing and now Coaching - http://capitalsportsmed.co.nz/home.aspx To book your coaching session: Call - 04 499 5732 Email - office@capitalsportsmed.co.nz Capital Sports Medicine Adrs - Level 5, 187 Featherston Street, Wellington CBD (behind Nespresso) Meditations If you are interested in beginning your meditation journey, I now offer downloadable guided meditations which are available for purchase from my website shop. 1. NLP Study & Exam Mediation 2. Heart Focused Meditation Click on the link here to purchase https://bit.ly/2LdSuB9 I also offer Gift Vouchers for those of you who may be interested in giving someone you love or care about some time with me as part of their personal development journey or in the run-up to Christmas for yourself. To buy please call the clinic or myself or send me an email to organise. Enjoy the sun and be sun-wise. Personally, I am not a great believer in sun-screen, I think that 20-30 minutes in the sun every day is more than enough, after that, I think that it's wise to cover up and stay in the shade, where you can still enjoy the heat and look after your body. You will of course know what's best for you, and I wish you a relaxing and happy Christmas and New Years. Happy Holidays and Safe Travels! I was very fortunate to attend the first Auckland Progressive Workshop with the world famous and very charismatic Dr Joe Dispenza. The 2 1/2 day event based in Takapuna, on Auckland's North Shore was incredible. Listening to Joe explain the neuroscience, the extensive research that he and his team of scientists have been undertaking and hearing the large number of accounts the previous students who have trained with Joe have experienced while doing his meditations was mind-blowing. In order to attend this Progressive workshop you have to do the Stage 1 online course called the Intensive Workshop, and then either attend or complete online the Progressive Workshop, before being able to take part in a profoundly life changing 1 week advanced workshop somewhere in the world. His Auckland Progressive workshop sold out quickly, as did the Advanced workshop on the Gold Coast which he flew to directly after this event. I am very keen to attend an Advanced Workshop, and I can highly recommend his work. It is engaging, mind opening and life changing. I am very, very grateful. There is so much magic and profound healing happening through consistent and powerful meditation. If you aren't already meditating regularly, I recommend that you start today. Put your heart and soul into each practice. If you want your life to change for the better, decide right now to make a new habit, one that includes living in the 'NOW' more than in the past or future, with love and gratitude. Turn your attention inwards through meditation, and on the journey you may just come out a new, less stressed, happier and healthy you. Watch this space as I continue on my journey with Dr Joe's meditations. For more information about Joe's work please head over to https://drjoedispenza.com/ |
AuthorNicole Wijngaarden, Relationship | Mental Health & Wellbeing Coach Wellington, New Zealand Archives
November 2021
Categories
All
|