 APRIL 16 • 2020 | 17

P: Pause and take a deep 
breath instead of reacting. 
Repeat. 
P: Pull back and realize it’
s 
your worry that is talking. 
L: Let go of the thought or 
feeling. Imagine it floating 
away in a bubble or cloud. 
E: Explore the present 
moment, noticing your 
breathing and your sur-
roundings. Then go back to 
what you were doing before 
the anxiety surfaced.

UPSIDE OF SLOWING DOWN
For better or worse, life has 
slowed down. We’
ve stopped 
rushing from one activity to 
the next. Lipson encourages 
people to consider the ben-
efits of moving at a slower 
pace.
“How often do we say, ‘
If 
only life were simpler?’
 Well, 

now it is simpler. Use this as 
an opportunity to slow down 
and reflect and reconnect 
with yourself and others,” she 
says.
She suggests practicing 
mindfulness, focusing on the 
present moment instead of 
worrying about the future.
“If you’
re cleaning the 
counter or vacuuming, focus 
only on that,” says Lipson, 
who also recommends medi-
tation and deep breathing to 
relieve anxiety. “The breath 
is the great reboot for the 
body.”

CO-EXISTING IN 
CLOSE QUARTERS
Spending 24 hours a day 
under the same roof with chil-
dren and spouses can result 
in a feeling of “too much 
togetherness.” Mental health 

professionals recommend 
establishing boundaries within 
your household. Carve out 
“alone time” or establish “no 
interruption” hours for work 
or self-care activities such as 
exercise or meditation.
“Take care of yourselves,” 
Kaplan says. “If your husband 
doesn’
t do yoga and you do, 
then do your yoga.”
Couples whose relationships 
were shaky before the pan-
demic may find their prob-
lems exacerbated.
“Use this as an opportu-
nity to set aside the way you 
have looked at your partner 
before, and focus on figuring 
out how you will get through 
these times with respect and 
fairness, if not with love and 
affection,” suggests Janice 
Goldfein, a Farmington Hills-
based therapist.

For those who live alone, 
using Skype or other video 
chat apps to keep in touch 
with friends and family can 
ease feelings of isolation. 
Walking outdoors and greet-
ing neighbors (from a safe dis-
tance) is also beneficial. 
Giving back to others helps 
combat depression and self-
pity. Call an elderly relative or 
neighbor. Clean out a closet, 
and fill a bag to donate to a 
local charity. If possible, con-
tribute to an organization that 
helps those who are struggling 
financially. 
“Take a look around,” 
Kaplan advises. “What is in 
your control? Find things 
that are soothing — petting 
a dog, talking to loved ones, 
listening to music. It’
s OK to 
acknowledge these are not 
easy times.” 

TOTOUSA.COM | 800-350-TOTO

Things you use every day. 

Created for a new way of living.

NX1 Toilet 

NEW SHOWROOM
DETROIT
150 Parsons Street
Detroit, MI 48201
313-831-7770 

WALLED LAKE
1977 E. West Maple Road 
Walled Lake, MI 48390
248-669-7474

www.advanceplumbing.com 100 
YEARS
1920 - 2020

Come Visit Detroit’s Award-Winning 
Decorative Plumbing Showroom

Ce
l
e
b
r
a
t
i
n
g
 
O
u
r
 
10
0
-
Ye
a
r
 
An
n
i
ve
r
s
a
r
y

