Alumni Snapshots: Wellness Tips from Ms. Toni Michelsen
This moment in our history is unique--virtually no one who is alive today has ever experienced a pandemic like this. When a person is faced with discordant circumstances, our human tendency is to use defense mechanisms such as denial, intellectualization, rationalization, and suppression to make sense of things. When we actually do come to grips with what is happening, it is important to face the facts as best we can, and realize that we can't change the past, but we can choose to live in the present in a healthy manner by taking the necessary precautions that will help lessen the anxiety and fear many of us may be experiencing. Dr. Laurie Santos, a professor at Yale University who teaches one of the most popular courses at Yale entitled, "The Key to Happiness, the Science of Well-Being" offers these research-based tools to help us all deal with the stressors associated with today.
Admiral Alumni, remember to do your best to:
Practice deep breathing in your abdomen--this activates the parasympathetic nervous system which helps to regulate your heart rate, blood pressure, and other essential parts of your physiology
Maintain a healthy diet--think about what you are putting into your body
Practice acts of kindness--doing nice things for others releases endorphins in your brain that promote feelings of positive well-being
Sleep well--try to go to bed and wake up at your regular time each day
Move your body to get your heart pumping blood throughout your body
Engage your mind in stimulating activities (playing games, doing puzzles, reading books, watching uplifting and funny videos and movies, etc.)
Stay connected virtually with people you care about (via social media, e-mail, text, FaceTime, Zoom, or phone)
Practice gratitude: reflect upon the people, memories, and moments that bring joy to your heart (family, friends, nature, pets, music)
While we can't change the past, we can have hope for the future and take comfort in knowing that dedicated medical professionals all around the world are working around the clock to find successful treatments and end the spread of this virus. In the meantime, we need to live in the present by staying positive, remaining engaged with one another (from a distance), and asking for help when we need it.