As we continue to navigate through a post-pandemic world, we can make an effort to focus on incorporating healthy life affirming habits into our personal lives in order to enhance an inclusive Mind-Body-Spirit (MBS) approach to wellness.
During challenging times when stress and anxiety degrade our immune systems, it is more imperative than ever to modify patterns of behavior that impact our mood, burden our bodies, and demoralize our spirit.
The three principles of Mind-Body-Spirit involve a holistic approach that incorporates an emphasis on total well-being and healing.
This MBS wellness approach encompasses the following:
MIND- Focus is on “Motivation”
- Practice Mindfulness techniques. Purposely paying attention to things we ordinarily never give a moment’s notice thought to represents a moment-to-moment awareness that keeps us in the “here and now”. Since anxiety and depression often have a habit of distracting us, a regular disciplined practice of mindfulness will guide you away from anxiety (your negative thoughts that generate worry of future events) and away from depression (your negative thoughts that generate frustration at not being able to change the past). When we realize that all we have is the present moment, we will be able to live those moments fully because we will be fully present.
- Limit your media and news consumption. Accept the current situation without overloading yourself with negative messages.
- Don’t isolate. Stay connected to loved ones via technology if you are unable to visit.
- Keep a regular daily routine, especially if you are still working from home. Be purposeful and productive with your daily tasks.
- If you need help, schedule some down time to self-care and schedule some remote sessions with a therapist if your mental health becomes unmanageable.
BODY- Focus is on “Movement”
- Move your body during the day. If you are working remotely, or doing virtual sessions, take a 5 minute break every hour and walk around the house a few times, get a drink, stretch.
- Give yourself tasks outside of work to keep busy and productive– clean, rearrange, re-organize.
- Get outside regularly for some exercise even if it is only a 20 minute walk.
- Take a family or friend hike or bike ride on the weekends.
- Eat healthy and clean.
SPIRIT- Focus is on “Meaning”
- Find ways to laugh. Watch funny movies, TV shows, and U-Tube videos, etc.
- Put uplifting book choices on your reading list.
- Practice your faith.
- Practice calming techniques ie deep breathing, meditation, journaling, art, pet care, etc.
- Listen to music that resonates with you and gives you joy.
Finally, take this important time to invest in yourself and your own wellness. The MBS trilogy represents the three components that make us feel alive. They must work together so that we can realize a healthier outlook, increased energy, and a purposeful and positive approach to life.
Irene C. Lebbad, MSW, LCSW, ACS
Center for Intrapersonal Wellness and Health LLC