Daily practice and reflection can bring growth to the body. Artwork by Nova Blanco-Rico.
By Cindy Portillo, Staff Writer
Isolated, stressed, lonely, and depressed; these might sound like a description of Eeyore, one of Winnie-the Pooh’s best friends, but in reality, these are only some of the emotions that intensified for millions of people in the last year, and I am no exception.
As someone who struggled with similar emotions long before the pandemic, I can testify to how the isolation and uncertainty that hovers over many of us have only triggered my emotions.
And along with the increased demand for face masks and hand sanitizer this past year, there is also an increased demand for services and resources to aid those suffering from mental health challenges and psychological disorders.
Never did I think I would have to merge and compact work and school inside four walls.
Having to stay inside, work from home, and manage school has become very stressful. My safe place, my sanctuary, the place I would unwind and leave out the chaos of the outside world has now turned into a never-ending loophole. I find myself connecting to Zoom meetings while cooking breakfast in my kitchen.
Being deprived of visiting family and friends as much as I’d like to has been very challenging. The fear of visiting my loved ones without knowing if they had been safe and the endless thoughts that circulate through your mind wondering whether or not they may have the virus has been difficult to normalize.
Now more than ever, it is very important to be mindful of how we are taking care of ourselves during this life-changing event.
Meditation and journaling have been a few ways that I have coped with my anxiety. An app that has really helped me maneuver through this internal chaos is Headspace. Headspace has a monthly or annual subscription where users from all around the world can meditate anywhere at any time.
Headspace offers short-term and long-term meditation courses where you can select from mindful minutes, routine daily sessions, and even monthly practices with great convenience at the edge of your fingertips.
Giving myself time to sit every morning and learn to improve my breathing techniques, by pausing and focusing on my breathing has helped with all of the tension this pandemic has cast upon me has helped me center myself tremendously.
Another tool that has helped me is daily journaling. Being able to reflect on everything I feel from positive affirmations to negative gripes or setbacks has helped alleviate the pressure I am feeling at each given moment. Coping with anxiety, depression or any other mental health problem is very difficult for everyone right now but there are many practices people can take part in to help with alleviating these issues.
There are many free yoga videos on YouTube, “Yoga With Adriene” is one of my favorite channels to watch. The videos are very easy to follow, especially if you’re a beginner. She does 30-day meditation challenges that are very helpful, especially when dealing with the stresses a pandemic may cause. These are simple tools that are free and may help anyone who is in need of clearing their headspace.
Now more than ever, it is very important to be mindful of how we are taking care of ourselves during this life-changing event.
Mental health is just as important as physical health and making changes to create new habits can help decrease the anxiety many are feeling during this time.
For CSUDH students, faculty and staff who may be struggling with their mental health, the Student Psychological Services offer help and resources like individual counseling, mental health workshops, psychiatric services, consultations,and presentations.
They operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, to learn more, visit their website or reach them at 310-243-3818.
