If you’re reading this, you’re probably not feeling your best. Guess what? You’re not alone.
Staying calm throughout a global pandemic, when you may be separated from loved ones, friends and your usual support system, is no mean feat. But if you’re feeling stressed, lonely or overwhelmed, please remember, you’re totally normal.
Knowing that alone doesn’t make it any easier. What could help, however, is using mantras. I know it seems a little hippy dippy, but there really is power in realigning your mindset. Mantras act as guides to help you do that.
So, what is it exactly?
It’s a form of meditation used to channel inner peace and set intentions. When repeating the words of a mantra, the repetitive sounds purportedly penetrate far into the unconscious mind, helping your inner voice calm down. Experts say a lot of the power of mantras lies within using your mind to trick your body, alleviating the fight or flight response that keeps you on edge.
To use mantras effectively, practitioners recommend getting into a calm position in a quiet space, steadying your breathing, and repeating your chosen affirmative phrase with every breath taken. There’s no specific time you need to do this for, but the more consistent you are with it, the better.
Personally, I’ve used mantras when I’ve been in the middle of stressful situations at work, by just taking ten seconds within my own mind to focus on positive messaging. If it worked for this type A personality, I have a good feeling that it could work for you too.
Try some of the below out, and see how it feels. It never hurts to meditate, right?
- All things appear and disappear.
- Today I will breathe deeper, exhale slower, and find the stillness within me.
- In my words, thoughts, and actions – I choose kindness.
- Anxiety is just a feeling.
- Breathing in I calm my body, breathing out I smile.
- I have survived and will continue to survive.
- I have enough, I do enough, I am enough.
- I will not fear the unexpected.
- I am safe.
