In This Moment

It seems we woke up one day and the world had changed in ways no one could have predicted. Uncertainty has become part of our days. For many, this is a time of heightened stress, anxiety, fear, and isolation.

We know these emotions can be toxic if they begin to take over, so recognizing that we have emotions but not letting them define us is important. Stress-released hormones cause inflammation in our systems and subdue immune functions at a time when our immune systems need all the love they can get.

Now it is more important than ever to access the spaciousness of calm on a regular basis. Using meaningful breath, movement, and meditative practices can help reduce the stress hormone load on systems and allow our creative problem-solving brain to engage more fully. Balance grief with gratitude. Notice the things you may not have noticed before.

Here are some resources to help you connect with self-care practices. Please check back regularly, as we will attempt to update these periodically.

Be well.

1. Sign up for free webinars about calming the stress response with the Center for Mind-Body Medicine.
2. The Move to End Violence has a list of resources for self-care and healing justice, and specific tools (in Spanish and English) for those working to address gender-based violence.
3. The Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health has well-being resources.
4. U.Academy by Presencing Institute, founded by Otto Scharmer, features GAIA, a 14-week “inhale and exhale” program. The program aims to connect communities, and there are a variety of ways to participate, from small groups to discussion boards.
5. Check out Drake Powe’s daily blog for inspiration and breathing practices.
6. Connect with the Minnesota Healing Justice Network, a collaborative network of more than 100 community healers, body workers, birth workers, therapists, herbalists, artists, educators, nurses, and others who center the wellness of black and brown families through mutual aid, health equity, and solidarity.
7. Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Tim Culbert are hosting a free program called “Calm in the Time of Coronavirus: An Online Resilience Retreat.”
8. Olmsted County’s Emergency Operations Center provides a 20-minute training called “Wellbeing and Resilience in the Age of COVID-19.”
9. Christian Family Solutions offers some great faith-based tips for practicing gratitude.
10. American Public Media’s Call to Mind website now includes content and resources for mental well-being and coping with the new coronavirus. Call to Mind includes extensive resources and blog posts from trusted public health and mental health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mental Health America, and others. Relevant tips and recommendations have been compiled, with the goal of reaching individuals where they’re at with ways to cope and manage their mental well-being in this uncertain time.