That is a very good question. One that humanity has not faced in a long time.

I want to talk a little bit about our evolution as a species. Unfortunately, in terms of self defense, we are pretty unexciting. We don’t have the usual bells and whistles; a thick hide or sharp teeth, we can’t camoflauge ourselves, and we aren't especially fast or nimble. The only true way we defend ourselves is with our intellect. Human’s have the unique capacity to create tools and strategies. So, knowing means survival.

Right now, none of us knows what comes next. We are filled with questions. There are no real answers. This feeling of losing control and inherent uncertainty is incredibly difficult for human beings.

How do we recognize that we are feeling threatened and care for ourselves during this time of uncertainty? The first step is to understand that your nervous system is in a state of flight or fight. which means it is overstimulated. Over stimulation by way of sensory overload, but also overstimulation by way of exposure to disturbing thoughts and experiences.

A threat that has been projected as possibly happening or going to happen is an anxiety; our worries that gain traction. And as they gain traction they raise the alarm bells in our nervous system.

So here is where tools and awareness is really helpful. And this is what I do as a psychotherapist and yoga teacher. I help you fill your tool box. Tools lower states of activation in your nervous system, and refocus your mind away from the stress that you are experiencing. In fact…

You might even discover some comfort and enjoyable experiences too.

Tools can be strategies that you know help comfort you or calm you down. They can be being in nature, healthy forms of distraction or meditation. They are your resources. Please use them right now! I will be offering all sorts of tools in the blog posts to come. But here is one to get you started:

Breathe…

It seems simple but at times like these we forget to breathe. Our breath deactivates the nervous system. Try doing breathing for restoration to get relaxed. Start lying on your back with your knees bent and feet wide on the floor. Let the knees fall into each other resembling a tee-pee. With your hands resting on your belly try taking an inhale in for 4 counts. Let the exhale go for 7-8 counts.

Imagine as you exhale your whole body dropping into the floor. Repeat this for 2-5 minutes. Notice that the more you do this breathing, the more relaxed you become.

FUN FACT: The exhale stimulates the vegus nerve responsible for putting your body into relaxation and rest. Its like getting a really great massage minus the leaving your house part ;)

Happy breathing until next time!