If you were able to avoid stress before, there’s no doubt this tumultuous year has introduced you to the unpleasant emotion by now. Have you wondered how the experts are dealing with it? Luckily for you, our founder, Cord Coen, has made quite a few connections spanning his 20 years experience in the spa and wellness industry. He asked three strong, centered women in the industry two questions:
There’s no escaping stress in 2020,
how has this year and all it’s ups and downs affected you?
What helps you deal with stress during these times?
Nealy Fischer: The Flexible Chef
“Where to begin? At the beginning I attacked Covid like I do any challenge: empowered to seize the moment and find ways to make the difficulty a fun challenge. We soaked up extra family time, made themed dinners and relished in time at home instead of on the road. But in July I found myself near collapse. I was likely clinically depressed. I felt empty yet suffocated. Domestic duties had started to drain my energy and I was completely at a loss. I suppose that as the realities of the new normal sunk in they became all too much to manage. My glamorous life on the road and on TV was replaced with PJ’d zoom calls and not being allowed to leave more than a mile from home under lockdown. I was definitely feeling stuck.”
Although it seems like this is our new reality, it won’t be forever. When I’m stressed or down I remind myself that this too shall pass.
“I’ve been reading books about coping and understanding the psychology of what I was going through. I have been learning how to carve out sacred space for myself (with 4 kids and a husband now working from home this is vital). I even took a “mom day off” and blogged about it-went to the beach and pampered myself until I felt more human again! We’ve been supporting local restaurants instead of cooking every night. Food at home is now more simple and I’ve taught the kids to cook for themselves. I’ve also been looking for ways to keep things interesting because so much of our new daily routine in lockdown can be monotonous. I’ve been whipping up creative date nights in our backyard, reaching out to old friends and mostly giving myself a break! Although it seems like this is our new reality, it won’t be forever. When I’m stressed or down I remind myself that this too shall pass. Before we know it we will be back on planes, in offices, sitting in hours of traffic and in the grind. Then we will have new stresses to complain about! So, I’m back to looking at the glass half full. Taking things day by day. And most importantly, counting the blessings we have.”
See more of Nealy at The Flexible Chef
Monique Blake: Being in Touch Ayurveda
“Stress started a little before 2020. My 2019 was a year of business travel and although I love what I did as a National Training Director, the non-stop travel took a toll on my health. I stepped into 2020 with hopes of better managing stress. I am in the Spa/Wellness industry, so I needed to walk my talk. Well, that goal was quickly challenged with COVID. My company filed bankruptcy and like so many people, I lost my job. I spent 20+ years doing what I love and honing my expertise in an industry that was devastated by the pandemic’s social distancing safety requirements. Now not only did I need to find a new job, but I would most likely have to pivot away from my chosen industry.
Nevertheless, COVID gave me a rare opportunity to take a breath, rest and spend time pursuing my creative projects that I shelved because I was too busy and exhausted from my pre-COVID life. I finished an activity book for a Tarot class that I teach, I started painting, took online art classes, decluttered my home and reacquainted myself with my poetry and stories I wrote in the past. I also committed to writing new wellness blogs. Did several free Tarot and Ayurveda courses to support others in my community seeking solutions to overcoming fear and uncertainty.
Some days are upbeat, creative and productive. Some days are lost to the inner wobbles, the isolation and the overwhelm of the COVID chaos, social injustice, the devastation of our planet. At this point, I have turned off all notifications on my phone and heavily monitor what I read with my online newspaper subscriptions. I don’t have regular TV and am glad more than ever about this choice.”
COVID gave me a rare opportunity to take a breath, rest and spend time pursuing my creative projects that I shelved because I was too busy and exhausted from my pre-COVID life
“I keep a regular schedule and prioritize sleep, walks and home cooked meals. I wear my mask and gloves every time I step outside. I use my essential oils, floral essences and full spectrum tincture. I tripled my meditation practice and re-started my daily gratitude journal. I spend time gently unraveling the root of my emotional stress using various spiritual modalities, Ho’oponopono, emotional release work, chakra balance techniques, etc. I do digital detoxes regularly and balance my online activities to avoid Zoom fatigue. I reach out to friends, old and new, to stay connected. I sing in the shower in the morning while doing my Ayurvedic morning rituals. Play music for me and my plants based on their daily request list. And every day for the last 7 months I assure myself that regardless of appearances, ‘this too shall pass.”
See more of Monique at Being in Touch
Carrie Sotebeer: Spa Director at Montage Healdsburg
“When asked how the ups and downs of 2020 have affected me, the very first thing that comes to mind is deeply. Deep pain, deep sorrow, deep reflection, deep resolve, deep forgiveness, deep conversation, deep connection, deep love and deep gratitude. All of these things ~ I thought I had a strong understanding of and had absolutely no idea how much deeper I could actually go. And that is where the gratitude comes in. As a collective, we felt these emotions together as a whole. In some instances it has brought us together and painfully, in other instances, it has driven a wedge. The year isn’t over and the wedge is still there; although, humanity has opened the door for honest and healthy dialogue to create a balance that has been absent for far too long. I maintain faith and trust in the Universe because I have to. For my own well-being, in a year full of challenging opportunity, what choice do we have but to look deep within and have faith? With humility, I will admit that prior to 2020, I talked a lot about trusting the Universe; that ultimately we truly have very limited control over what happens. This entire year validated that and cracked me wide open to accept it fully.”
The year isn’t over and the wedge is still there; although, humanity has opened the door for honest and healthy dialogue to create a balance that has been absent for far too long.
“Forced into isolation in a strange new city, I had nowhere to go but in. I did a tremendous amount of self-reflection through daily meditation and yoga practices. As well, I was introduced to a healer in New Zealand that teaches and leads a technique of breath work that he has adapted from many different modalities he learned over the years. (www.sandro-mota.com) I never would have taken the time to do the deep work I needed for intense trauma release because I was living in chronic chaos ~ there was conveniently always a distraction. These practices led me to a sense of understanding, releasing and forgiving that I never knew was possible. It led me to freedom… and connection. I saw the importance of self love and honoring my physical body ~ the shell that was gifted to me for this lifetime. Also how incredibly healing Mother Earth is and the nurturing she provides. Being outdoors as much as possible or even barefoot for only a few minutes brings that sense of connection. There were days during this year, that I honestly wasn’t certain I could get through. For the lessons, the conversations, the discomfort and resilience I found, I am ever grateful. At first thought, if anyone ever asks me if I would do 2020 over again, I would give a resounding hell no! And yet, my heart tells me otherwise. As difficult as this year has been, it was necessary for forward movement.”
How have you coped with stress this year? We’d love to hear your experience in the comments!
