If you're experiencing stress, fear, anxiety, overwhelm, sadness, and any other sort of pain right now, you are not alone. 

In times like these, we've found great strength in our community and turn to the importance of coming together in support of one another's well-being. This unilateral support is a huge positive among the heartache and stress we've sometimes faced with. Below is some guidance on the perspectives and coping mechanisms that have helped us. 

Focus on the bright side: 

This is not realistic 24/7, we know. Nor is it wise to completely ignore your stress and sadness, but we've found it very helpful to practice a few different forms of journaling, namely: gratitude journaling and positivity journaling. 

Gratitude journaling: first thing in the morning, or whenever you feel a surge of frustration or sadness, write out all of the things you’re grateful for. What are we grateful for? Family. Community. Slowing down. 

Positivity journaling: write down a few bright things that you see in your life right now. Getting as specific as you want or need. For instance, "I was able to connect with a friend I haven't spoken to in years, today." 

Take care of your body and mind: 

Move when and where you can. Whether that means a walk up and down the stairs, or pulling out your yoga mat and doing a free online flow (free trials available at Alo Moves, YogaWorks), or trying these workouts (Melissa Wood Health, Kelsey Wells, 305 fitness). 

Or, maybe now is the time you really give meditation a try. Check out Insight Timer, Headspace, and subscribe to our YouTube channel (a 7-minute meditation is included below). Above all, observe your mindset. Ask yourself, what are you focusing on? Can you shift your focus or take action on something to help support a shift in your energy? 

Find your strength: 

We know that none of us have experienced something like this before, but can you think of a time when your life came to a screeching halt or something shocked you to your core? Think of a time when the emotions felt similar to now. 

Once you've identified that time, ask yourself, how did you handle it then? What tools did you use? What was it about yourself and your inner qualities to overcome such a challenge? Get ahold of your deepest strengths, whatever they are, and use them to your benefit and the benefit of those around you. 

Give yourself time: 

Be easy with your mind and heart, and know that you are not alone in feeling the lows. Be patient with yourself and show yourself some much-deserved self-compassion. Give yourself permission to take it all one day at a time, and know that we are here to support you. You are not alone, and this too shall pass.