SOVA Blog

by gingersnap15

Mindfulness Matters

June 16, 2020 in Educate Yourself

Have you ever had the scary experience when you’re driving and don’t remember the last few minutes of the drive? Or maybe you can’t remember where you put your pen two minutes ago. Maybe you’ve even gone to a birthday party and left the present at home, sitting right. By. The. Door. I did these things way more often than I should have. I was too caught up in other things to think clearly.

So often, we become consumed with the chaos or stress of everyday life and that can take a huge toll on our mental health. I realized that I needed something to make my life more purposeful, and with more intent. Through my time in therapy, I recently learned about mindfulness and its importance as a lifestyle practice. I used to think mindfulness was full-blown meditation – you know, sitting cross legged and saying “om” while candles flicker in the background. While that can be a very effective technique, that is not all that mindfulness is! You can truly personalize mindfulness and mend it to however you prefer.

I find that drinking my morning cup of coffee and truly enjoying it – smelling the distinct aroma, absorbing the warmth of the cup, savoring each sip – can make me more mindful and create a huge difference in my day. Although I’m no expert by any means, making a lifestyle out of mindfulness will give the most benefits. Applying those intentions to everyday actions can change how you go through life. So, find the best way for you to be mindful and hopefully we always remember the entire drive, find our pen, and never forget the birthday present by the door again!

What are small, everyday things that you enjoy? Would you consider adapting them in a way to practice mindfulness?

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by gingersnap15

Staying Together, Apart

May 7, 2020 in COVID-19, Educate Yourself, Social Media Guide

Like many others, I have been struggling with being away from friends and family during this quarantine. From a family member passing away without a proper ceremony, to loved ones that I used to see at will, to simply missing my friends and social life, I am struggling.  The uncertainty of quarantine – how long it will last, when the next restriction will be placed or even when one will be lifted – is what makes this the most difficult. If we knew that in a week it would be safe to get back to visiting normally, many people would be relieved. But, we are not lucky enough to have that kind of foreseeing.

For now, I think it is really important to try to stay connected to the ones we love. Video chats have been a lifesaver for me. Having the ability to see loved ones and talk to them has brought me so much comfort. I try to take time out of every single day specifically to connect with people. I will FaceTime friends, draft a text to a loved one, or even send a card (because who doesn’t love getting cards in the mail?!).

Keep in mind that not everyone is as comfortable reaching out. I have seen posts that say ‘remember who checked in on you during this time.’ I find that to be harsh; we are all getting through this in our own ways. Some people might not be in the best mindset to reach out to you. We need to be kind to one another and understand that we are all different.

For me personally, I feel that connecting with others has helped my anxiety and even brought me closer to some people in my life. Quarantine, as difficult as it has been, doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Reconnecting with loved ones in different ways is a truly beautiful thing! A random FaceTime call from a friend or family member, a heartfelt card in the mail, or even a simple text to someone can still be cherished once this is all over. Stay close to the ones who you love and make you happy, but for now, we must stay together six feet apart.

How have you been connecting with loved ones? What has prevented you from connecting with them? 

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