When crisis hits, keeping a clear head is the hallmark of a good mental state.  But we don’t just automatically go there. A clear mind has to be a conscious decision — one that rejects fear and uncertainty in troubling times and instead focuses on gratitude for what is, on the eternal feelings of love and hope and the absolute knowing that you are doing everything in your power to keep yourself and your family safe and then letting go of what is beyond your control.  

Here are a few suggestions on how to get and maintain a clear head in times of crisis.  

1.  Manage your media diet.  Stay informed but do not consume news for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Opt for different sources of news other than TV  try not to make it the first thing you do in the morning. The news has a residual effect on your psyche that lasts hours.    Protect the start of your day, and therefore your whole mood, with more positive actions such as meditation or exercise or family pancakes from scratch. 

2. Protect your peace.  Don’t allow the barrage of speculation and negativity from news, friends or family.  Protect your peace of mind by drawing boundaries and changing the subject if talk isn’t productive.  

3.  Knowledge is power.   By this, we don’t mean news information. True power and a clear head comes from eliminating the unknown so be prepared and know what you would do if you did have an emergency.  Prepare a list of emergency phone numbers, know where your local Covid-19 test sites are, have a list of everyone’s medications on hand. Your mind will be clearer if you have a game plan.  

4.  Take care of yourself.  Self-care isn’t a trend.  It’s the catalyst for peace, for self-love and for good physical and mental health and clarity.  You’ve heard it a thousand times, but here’s 1001…  Eat whole foods, move your body, stretch, shower or bathe with beautiful products, meditate and get 7 or 8 hours of sleep a night, without question.  This is non-negotiable if you want clarity.   

5. Be present and remain positive.   The biggest fears are all “what-ifs.”  The biggest joy-stealers are “should haves.”  When you live focused on the past or what could go wrong in the future, you are not living in the present moment. Pull your awareness to your present moment. Don’t judge it… just observe.  Where are you standing? Are you safe?  Do you need anything at that moment?  What is good that you see or feel? What are you grateful for in the moment?  If you don’t currently meditate, this is the perfect time to begin.