Aug/Sep 2020 Aspire Magazine FULL Issue Aug/Sep 2020 Aspire Magazine FULL Issue | Page 41

But how do we engage in any of these
nurturing activities when we are overwhelmed
and having difficulty focusing? I have been
hearing from so many clients and friends
that they are struggling to focus right now
and complete tasks. Part of this challenge
comes from all of the changes we are having
to adjust to during the pandemic and the
stress we are experiencing as a result.
When we are stressed our amygdala, or
the fight flight part of our brain, is activated.
The amygdala is programed to search for
danger and assess whether we are safe or
not. As result we may be hyper vigilant to
what is happening around us to make sure
we stay safe. Unfortunately, this makes it
really difficult to stay focused and complete
tasks. In addition, we may be experiencing
waves of intense emotions crashing over us
like grief, sadness, anxiety, fear, and anger
that impact our ability to focus.
And that does not even take into account
supporting all the other people in our lives that
are also having a difficult time! Navigating all
these unknowns is incredibly challenging and
so it is remarkable that we are doing as well
as we are. If you have been struggling, please
know that you are not alone. Try not to judge
or criticize yourself if you are having trouble
focusing and instead respond to yourself with
understanding and compassion. Choosing
a nurturing response to ourselves when we
are struggling can make all the difference
and begin to shift things for us. Once we
realize how normal it is under these stressful
circumstances to have difficulty focusing
then we can figure out what is the next most
nurturing thing we can do.
Investing our energy in something within our
control during these uncertain times may
“Knowing
Challenges are
what make
life interesting.
Overcoming them
is what makes life
meaningful.”
– JOSHUA J. MARINE
be the wisest and most empowering thing
we can do. Indeed, investing our energy in
self-nurturing practices can change our day
for the positive and create ripples effects
throughout our lives.
So, my invitation to you today is to try a
nurturing activity for five minutes a day for
the next 21-days. You can engage in the
same activity each day or try a new activity.
Since it can take 21-days to create a habit,
I am encouraging you to commit to 21-days.
If that feels like way too much commitment,
make it seven days.
Give yourself the opportunity to focus for
five minutes a day on something that could
nurture you and notice the impact on your
well-being. Start a timer, bring your attention
to the practice and notice how you feel at
the end of the 5-minutes. If you were able
to stay focused, acknowledge and celebrate
yourself! If you had difficulty, return again
HEALTH & WELLNESS
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