Editor’s note: Where necessary, check out the credentials and qualifications of the therapists you contact. One way to check credentials is by seeing if they are listed on the registers of one of the U.S. organizations that train and provide certification to a high standard.
We all need to continue to function and maintain good mental and physical health while self-isolating during the COVID-19 challenges. Here are some strategies you can use, and ideas for alternative therapies.
Counseling and Psychotherapy
You need a professional to talk to if you are feeling anxious or uptight. Thankfully, most qualified counselors offer phone sessions — and you can decide to have video as well as audio if you need the closer interaction and connection that seeing each other provides.
Yoga
There are many classes online of course, but the good news is that there are a growing number of classes that are now being live-streamed straight into people’s homes. That’s very useful right now if you want to practice and need the motivation of others in group, but can’t be together the way you usually do because we need to distance from each other.
Classes are done remotely, so you can be comfortable at home listening to the yoga teacher and following their instructions and movements. And it’s even possible to have two-way interaction if you switch on your video, allowing the instructor to provide individual feedback to you on your position or breathing (for example).
One of the new entrants to the market is “Yogaia,” which runs live and interactive online yoga sessions with two-way communications in a number of countries, including the United States.
And, of course, there are lots of free videos on yoga to keep you going — try out different teachers and styles and find the one for you.
Guided Meditations
Group meditations like those of Eckhart Tolle are increasingly being streamed live to audiences via video link. I think this idea of “live event” meditation/spiritual calming is important for today’s stressful lifestyle.
Large groups engaging in meditation is a very powerful therapy — and especially beneficial when you are having to socially isolate from others.
DIY Therapies
Use DIY therapies to give yourself some space to think positively. There are so many that you can learn about and practice on your own at home.
The simple act of learning some new therapy is good for taking your mind away from worries and the constant draw of the latest depressing news headline on COVID-19 on TV and social media. Some ideas include numerology, power animal readings or positive affirmation cards. You can do it all online.
Sonic Therapy
You can try sonic therapy yourself. Lie down and listen (for at least 20 minutes) to gongs and chimes is calming and therapeutic. Or watch professional musicians live online streaming gong baths to enthusiasts.
Creative Writing Therapy
Get your ideas, your fears and your experiences down on paper. It’s therapeutic and helps bring some order to the chaos outside.
Or why not create your own visualization board of images for your future when this difficult time is over.
This time will pass but, in the meantime, there are things we can do to support our own mental health and help us see our way through.
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