Getting Back On Track, Especially When You’re Feeling Alone

A few weeks ago, I was on the phone with a good friend who had just gotten over COVID-19 and was suffering from significant loneliness, anxiety, and depression.

We talked about him working from home and not being around other people much, other than his Zoom meetings.

One of the major longevity factors for people living well into old age is not only eating well and exercising but connecting with people and feeling a sense of community.

He uses his local cafe for that, but he admitted it's not fulfilling.

I suggested going back to his local yoga studio, committing to 3 classes per week, and becoming a regular so he could build new relationships with others who are like-minded and on the same path of wellness.

...while releasing the issues from his tissues and finding physical and emotional relief.

As wonderful as working from home can be, it can become isolating when glued to our screens for interaction.

As I listened to him, my inclination was to get him on a simple daily routine that he could manage and build momentum to sustain and add from there.

It's hard to get out when feeling depressed, so he needed to build slowly to bring back his will and confidence.

The simple breathing technique called 'box breathing' got him back on track:

• inhaling 4 counts

• hold 4 counts

• exhale 4 counts

• hold 4 counts

This box breathing pattern soothes the nervous system and is known to regulate emotions when done for 11 minutes per day for 40 days in a row.

I sent him specific meditation music that is grounding and calming, with a bell every four counts to help keep him on track.

He's now on day 23 and feels so much better emotionally and has strengthened his will to know that he has the power to self-regulate.

After a couple of weeks, he's transitioned from taking yoga and fitness classes online to going back to his local studio to not only connect with others but to get off his screens and be in a place without distractions.

It's easy to find excuses not to push yourself when alone at home and not inspired by others around you.

Not only are we behind screens but SITTING far too much. Research has shown that all of the constant sitting is like the new smoking -- it's just as unhealthy as our energy becomes stuck, stagnant, and toxic.

A balance is needed in our new paradigm of remote jobs and education -- a balance that will bring us back to connection face to face. It's crucial to our longevity and quality of life!

In fact, I built this studio for that very reason -- having a lobby space to feel comfortable to hang out in. That feels crucial to me, as this is the space where we want to connect after going through inner transformation together ~ and it's so good for the soul.

I hope to see, breathe, and move energy with you soon and feel that internal freedom that inspires us to connect after class and want to get to know each other. It's what makes this practice so unique and whole.

Until then ~ namaste and blessings.

Maggie