4 Keys to Greater Well-Being in Today’s Virtual World
By: Michele Molitor
Tags: Gratefulness, Isolation, Kindness, Learning

Depending on where you are in the world, you may or may not be in forced isolation. We’ve all been quarantined to varying degrees for 6 months now. What was meant to be a two-week period has turned into six months of zoom calls, drive-by birthday parties, and kids doing Facetime playdates?

We’ve also seen substantial job loss during this time period. People are worried and fearful of how they’re going to be able to cover their mortgage or put food on the table for their family. All of this has lead to higher rates of loneliness, depression, even substance abuse and suicide.

How can you combat all of this stress and anxiety when many of us are still having to stay “socially distanced” from those we love?

Zoom has become our collective new BFF which has helped bring us all together when we couldn’t really be together.

As we all learn how to adapt and stay connected in new ways, I wanted to give you a few tips to help you maintain your sanity for the rest of this crazy making COVID journey.

1. Reach Out & Stay Connected. First and foremost, do your best to stay connected with your loved ones and friends, colleagues and neighbors, as best you can. We have ALL been feeling the stress and strain of this tumultuous year. No one has escaped it.

Your friends and family are the cornerstones of your life so be sure to invest the time needed in maintaining your support systems that enrich your life. Reach out. Call, text, zoom — whatever works best for you and your tribe. And as you reach out it triggers some of your happy chemicals (dopamine and oxytocin) in your brain that help calm your nervous system and ease your mind.

2. Keep Learning & Growing. When your daily routine has been turned upside down, it’s time for trying something new. All the things you used to do like going to the gym, or out to dinner with friends, may no longer be an option that you can do safely, so with all this “extra” time you may or may not have, here are some ideas to help feed your brain.

Find a new hobby that enables you to express your creativity in some way or another. Rediscover an old interest like playing an instrument or making crafts or writing poetry. Perhaps one that you used to enjoy doing as a kid or as a young adult.

Sign up for a course. There are about a bazillion courses online now, so take this bonus time to fill your mind, body and spirit with new ideas, information and perspectives. Perhaps learning a new skill that can enhance your career or help you start your own gig.

Be sure to set a challenge for yourself that you will enjoy achieving as that can help increase your confidence and well-being along the way.

3. Be Curious & Grateful. It’s that time of year. The changing of the seasons. Take a moment to notice the beauty of the nature, the fall leaves changing colors, the birds migrating — catching sight of something rare and unique when you stop and pause to reflect.

When we learn how to savor each moment and find gratitude for even the smallest of things, like watching the hummingbirds dance outside your window, having virtual coffee with a friend or taking time for a walk in the sunshine, you’ll see how calming that can be to your system. When you take time to pause, breathe deeply and check in with yourself, you can then be more mindful of what your body needs and wants to feel happy, healthy and safe.

4. Share Kindness & Give Back. While we can’t be with our friends and loved ones like we used to, there are many others who would appreciate your kindness and acts of compassion. Because we are all in this together, take a moment to do something nice for a friend or a stranger. This simple act of kindness can make another person’s day who might be feeling really isolated or alone.

Thank someone. Smile. Find a non-profit organization to get connected with where you can volunteer your time and talents in some way. Or join a new or different community group that has you meet new people virtually.

As you connect, even in the smallest of ways with those around you in person at the grocery store, or through an online community, you’ll see yourself reflected back at you. You’ll see the love, compassion and kindness that you are, as seen by others, which can boost your happy chemicals, and leave you feeling peaceful, calm and happy.

2020 has been a year like no other to say the least.

Now more than every staying connected with others and yourself is vitally important. Both individually and collectively, when we stay connected it helps lower our stress hormones, rewiring our sense of peace and calm at a deeper level. Help boost your own well-being by making regular dates with others to connect in one form or another. You’ll be glad you did as it decreases your anxiety and gives your day a boost and a smile.

If you’re finding yourself feeling overwhelmed and anxious and would like some support, let’s find a time to chat and you can tell me what you’re struggling with on this confidential and complimentary call.

Sometimes we all just need a kind ear to listen.

In Service & Love,

Michele

Michele Molitor, CPCC, PCC, RTT Your Executive Confidence Coach & Rapid Rewire Expert

As the founder and CEO of Nectar Consulting, Inc., Michele works with executives and entrepreneurs bringing over 25 years of experience, intuitive insights and strategic business savvy to your success.

Her unique Rapid Rewiring™ approach is a culmination of years of study in the realms of emotional intelligence, neuroscience, organizational psychology and Rapid Transformational Therapy, to help catalyze shifts in your thinking, and eliminate mental/emotional blocks and rapidly rewire your brain for greater confidence and success. Enhancing your capacity as a leader is key to building high performing teams and exponentially increasing bottom line results. Success awaits you.

As a nationally recognized speaker, certified executive coach, Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) practitioner, consultant, trainer, and writer, Michele’s passion for helping you amplify your natural talents and expand your leadership is conveyed through all aspects of her work and writing.

Her latest best-selling book, “Breakthrough Healing” is available on Amazon and has variety of published articles on CNN, SelfGrowth, Lifehack and The Mogul Mom. She has spoken at various leadership conferences nationwide such as IEEE Leadership Conference, SHRM Leadership Development Forum, NCCEP, and SSATB.

Learn more at NectarConsulting.com.