We are all feeling the effects of the ongoing bushfire crisis and coping as best we can as these challenging circumstances evolve and change. It’s very likely that even if you have not been directly impacted by the fires you have experienced reactions like shock, disorientation, helplessness and ongoing symptoms of stress such as sleep disturbance, restlessness and anxiety.
We should remember there are many things we can do to help ourselves and others at this difficult time. Mindfulness related practices can provide useful ways of encountering our experience that connect us to our inner strength, compassion and resilience. Below are few tips and reminders.
- Keep up any daily activities that you enjoy as much as possible, like walking, swimming, gardening and hobbies.
- If you have skills in deep relaxation, yoga or meditation practices that you have engaged in in the past, now is the good time to renew with gentleness and self-compassion.
- Be attuned to the emotional and physical effects that repeated exposure to news, social media and communications about the crisis has on you and those around you. Excessive exposure is unnecessary and tends to overwhelm our emotional balance. It’s OK to take a break.
- Be with others mindfully, slow down, look around, ground yourself. Remind yourself and others that “we are safe right now; we are OK here together!”
- Remember timely, appropriate physical contact can be very therapeutic. Try the 3-breath hug to both ground yourself and reconnect with and reassure your loved ones: simply hold the hug whilst taking 3 slow breaths and consciously focus on relaxing into yourself. Particularly helpful for young people and children.
I hope you find some of these tips and practices helpful and that you stay safe!
Nicholas Tabley is a psychologist in private practice in Gerringong and also runs programs in yoga and mindfulness meditation, his website is www.nicktabley.com.
Coping with Stress and Building Resilience – How to use Relaxation and Mindfulness in times of crisis and stress.
Saturday 18th of January at Werri Beach Progress Hall, Pacific Parade Gerringong.
Free event. Your pledge to Red Cross Appeal is appreciated!
Programme
Session 1
9.00am – 10.00am – Gentle yoga and guided relaxations with mindfulness
Light refreshments afterwards.
Session 2
11.00am – 12.00 – Gentle yoga and guided relaxation with mindfulness.
Light refreshments afterwards.
Both sessions conducted by Nick Tabley, psychologist, yoga and mindfulness teacher.