The Key to Handling a Crisis: Developing Mental Fortitude
Today, we are facing a crisis. How does one get the mental strength to face this crisis and other future crises? The very word “mental” gives a hint to the solution. When I refer to “mental fortitude”, I am referring to an internal and emotional strength of mind. The goal is to make your “mental” attitude strong like a fort. To accomplish this, you have to change your mindset and thinking patterns. You have to change the way you currently think if it’s not helping you handle your crises, whatever they may be.
The type of thinking necessary to handle this crisis has to be very positive. As the Covid-19 situation is evolving, you should think that you can beat this; you can win. At this moment, no one can predict with total accuracy if you will get the virus or not. However, the statistics are saying that only a small percentage will die from the infection. You should make yourself think that you will be in the percentage of those infected people who will not die from the virus. I will encourage you to entertain the thought that, “even if I get the virus, I will not die from it, I will bounce back. Many people had the virus and they bounced back and are now doing well, so I will too.”
Say this to yourself a few times everyday and say it like you mean it (with conviction). Clench your fist when you say it and then follow through with a deep breath in and out. Then, try your best to relax. Think to yourself that whether or not you get the virus, you will be fine. This mindset of confidence and resilience will help you through this crisis. If you think it and believe it, it will surprisingly make your immune system stronger and allow you to have the strength to endure what may come.
The “placebo effect” is well known and it is very powerful. Many scientific experiments have shown that when doctors give a placebo in the form of a simple sugar pill without the chemical potency of the real tablet, in 15% to 72% of the cases, participants claim that their headaches are gone in half an hour. That's a very high percentage, but that is how the brain works. When you strongly believe something, your brain neurons fire in a certain way and produce hormones that help strengthen your immune system.
On the other hand, there is also a “nocebo effect.” Studies have shown that when doctors give patients the same sugar pill to the patients and tell them that the pill has terrible side effects, many of the patients then start to exhibit symptoms of those side effects. This is the very powerful effect of your mind. Use it to strengthen your immune system, rather than harm your health and make your mind anxious, and win this battle in the war against the COVID-19.
During this crisis, many people will suffer from anxiety and will entertain thoughts of depression. You can prepare yourself to beat this anxiety and depression through meditation. There are many studies showing that meditation helps in fighting anxiety and depression. In fact, the Veterans Administration has numerous meditation programs for veterans suffering from PTSD, anxiety, and depression. They even have mobile apps for veterans to use on their phones that help them practice meditation. I am also a strong advocate for meditation. As you may already know from my videos and previous writing, I meditate every chance I get. To me, it's like putting money in the bank. And I put as much as I can.
When you sit for meditation and have become relaxed, visualize that you are healthy. Visualize that you are jogging, jumping, swimming, dancing, laughing, etc. When you practice this visualization technique often, your mood will be happier instead of being worried and stressed. This technique will also strengthen your immune system to help ward off the virus.
Another technique that plays a role in developing the proper mindset is Pranayama. Today, over a million people are practicing Pranayama methods to strengthen their lungs and respiratory system, as a method of battling the coronavirus and maintaining their health. As you may also know from my videos, I am a strong advocate of Pranayama; I practice Pranayama daily.
Lastly, developing a routine for your new social distancing life is extremely important. Most people don't get enough sleep. Sleep is one of the most important ingredients to your health. If you are at home because of the virus, this is a chance to get more sleep. Sleep especially in the night between the hours of 9pm and 6am. Sleep rejuvenates; the body heals and restores itself during sleep. Sleep can also be very enjoyable and helpful to your well-being. During sleep, when you experience a deep sleep or non-rem sleep, you get a break from life and all its worries and challenges. Non-rem sleep or deep sleep is the stage where you are sound asleep and not dreaming. The healing and rejuvenation of the body occurs during non-rem sleep. In addition to sleep, try to add more exercise into your daily routine. Exercise is a wonderful way to stay healthy and keep yourself in a better mood. Exercise has many benefits as it keeps your body fit and helps produce “happy hormones.” Even if you are not a fan of exercise, do some type of exercise. Start with exercises that are fun and easy to do. You could team up with friends on social media and get started while maintaining social distancing. Use this time to create a structured routine so that you can develop the strength and courage you will need to beat this virus.
Om ShantiH ShantiH ShantiH.
-Sri Rajaji