People worldwide have recently found themselves confined to their homes because of the pandemic. These lockdowns have not only changed how we live, but have also plunged us into fear and uncertainty. What will the “new normal” look like? How different will our lifestyles be? Will we lose our jobs? And what will our roles be in the changed new world?

Not even the Vedic texts could predict this particular time in history. And not a single person was adequately prepared for what unfolded in late 2019.

We’re calling this time a crisis, but it is also a wake-up call, a time to stay still and shift our attention inward…

Things You Shouldn’t Do During a Pandemic

To make the most of lockdowns, learn to go with the flow instead of creating friction with negativity and unproductivity. To find some peace of mind and a sense of balance, you should avoid doing the following:

• DON’T rush or take time too seriously if you’re stuck indoors.
• DON’T eat too quickly or gulp down fast food, snacks, and sweets.
• DON’T sleep in or lie about in bed. Your life is still in progress.
• DON’T focus on the negative but see the positive in all things. The mind believes what it focuses on.
• DON’T blame others for the situation you’re in.
• DON’T perceive this time as a challenge, but rather as a time of meditation, stillness, and introspection.
• DON’T ignore your health, hygiene, and well-being.
• DON’T completely cut off social interactions; you can talk with friends and family over the phone or meet up on Zoom or Skype.
• DON’T forget your spiritual connections. Connecting to Spirit/Creator through prayer, regardless of your beliefs, can bring hope and help you feel at ease.
• DON’T allow negative emotions to fester, like anger, distrust, sadness, grief, and guilt.

You can also note down the bad habits you want to get rid of and add them to the list. But if these are the things you should avoid doing, then what should you be doing?

Things You Should Do During a Pandemic

By now, you probably already grasp the affect lockdowns and isolation can have on you. But what positive things should you do during this time? Here are some daily recommendations:

• DO go about your work as if you were at work; dress smartly, look sharp, clean and professional, and keep a smile on your face.
• DO practice personal hygiene by showering regularly, brushing your teeth, and shaving.
• DO tweak your biorhythm by tuning into the sunrise and sunset (wake up as the sun rises, and sleep when the sun has fully set).
• DO Yoga, exercise, or soft stretching each morning and/or evening to enable the flow of prana, blood, and nutrients to your organs (especially if you are not particularly active during most of the day).
• DO take a short nap and unwind each afternoon (15’-20’ is just fine). Incorporate a massage, if you like.
• DO meditate and pray to still your mind, turn your awareness inward, and surrender to Spirit.
• DO talk out your emotions. Call friends and family members regularly, or even a therapist if you need one.
• DO something creative every day, like playing music, dancing, sketching, painting, singing, sewing, creating crafts, etc.
• DO read books to keep your mind sharp and engaged. Motivational and educational books in particular will encourage you to think and act more positively.
• DO learn more about the spiritual universe to understand how it works. Read books, watch documentaries, learn about the Vedic or quantum perspective, and even dabble in astrology if you like.
• DO engage in positive discussions rather than negative ones.
• DO work on your breathing by learning Pranayama. Go out for some fresh air when you need it.
• DO spend as much time in nature as possible.

Introversion Yoga: How to Go Inward and Find Your Own Solutions

If there is one thing I would advise you to do daily, it is Yoga. As a form of therapy, Yoga can profoundly affect how you breathe, think, move, feel, connect, and react to your environment. It can also amplify your connection to the universe, thus helping you draw inspiration, guidance, and solutions from it.

I personally recommend the following Yoga asanas (postures) as part of an “Introversion Yoga” practice. These will encourage introspection, calm, and connection during the lockdown phase:

• Locust pose (Salabhasana)
• Cobra pose(Bhujangasana)
• Twisted Cobra pose(TriyakaBhujangasana)
• Alligator pose (Makarasana)
• Gas Release pose (Pawanmuktasana)
• Raised Leg pose (Uttanpadasana)
• Alternate Nostril Breathing (NadhiSodhana Pranayama)
• Corpse pose (Savasana)

Aim for a daily regimen that combines a bit of physical asanas, a bit of pranayama breathing, and a bit of meditation. This sequence can total 30-40 minutes.

Conclusion

An epidemic, pandemic, or lockdown is another way the universe asks you to sit still and look within. Unfortunately, it is one of the few ways this hectic society will ever find relief from the daily grind and stresses of life.

You can view this time in history as a curse, or as a blessing from the universe disguised as a challenge – an opportunity to unwind, relax, journey within, and figure things out in your life. Yogis isolate themselves for that exact same reason!

The question is: Will you follow the path of the Yogi and align with the universe to find solutions and guidance? Or will you stay overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty?

What have you been doing during the most recent lockdown? Do you take care of your body, mind, and spirit? What solutions or guidance have you received?

For further advice, please call us at the Yatan Holistic Ayurvedic Centre on 1300 552 260.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to substitute medical advice. All information and resources referenced, including medicinal preparations, fitness, dietary and lifestyle recommendations, are based on the opinion of the author. Please consult a medical practitioner if you require advice or are experiencing any worrisome symptoms.