During this time of uncertainty many are dealing with anxiety and fear. I wanted to offer some real life advice that I hope helps during this unprecedented time. The idea came to me when I was asked to speak on a virtual panel of other wedding professionals last night. The topic was “how to zen” during a time of high stress.

To be completely honest, I’m not really a zen kind of girl.

Anyone who knows me knows I run fast and hot and “zen” is not really a word that describes me! But if you’re an on-the-go gal like me, then staying at home forces you to rest and reflect at little. Looking at one of the definitions of zen is a state of calm attentiveness.

So the question becomes how do you bring calm through by being mindful and attentive? I found the answer to be the three R’s: Restore, Reflect and Reinvent

RESTORE

This can mean a typical “self care” pampering or other ways of restoring body and mind through exercise, meditation, reading and enjoying a little quiet time. Now if you’re sheltering in place with family, you might not find as many moments to “zen out”, but take time for yourself even if it's just a little while. Brite is even offering personalized, virtual hair and makeup lessons, so you can treat yourself and learn a new skill all at the same time.

DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF

One temptation during this time is to play the compare game and begin to put unrealistic expectations on yourself. We are bombarded by information and opportunities on social and the web, but be true to yourself.

I have a friend who loves to run, and during this time he is running a 10k every other day. That’s his way, yet definitely not mine. It’s easy to say to yourself, “Well, I have the time, I can prep for a 10k!” And sure, if your soul is calling you to that do it, but don’t do it because you “ought to”. In fact, drop all the shoulds, coulds, ought to’s, wish for, and any other words I call “dead words.” Instead, DO. In fact, even “try” is a dead word. I absolutely hate it. To quote the great Yoda,

“DO or do not but there is no try. Try gives you an excuse not to DO. ”

— Yoda

Now sure, you’re not going to do something perfectly every time. You will make mistakes and you will attempt to do something, achieve a goal and still fall short. That doesn’t mean you “tried,” it means you DID and that’s awesome! So restore by doing what makes sense for you. I love to walk, and now my hubby and I have time to take walks together that we didn’t have time for before. So brisk walks are restorative both for our bodies and our emotional connection. And remember, you can restore simply by being.

REFLECT

Through taking time to look over your personal and professional life. Start with gratitude. Think about all that you have and look at the positive. What is working really well in your family and relationships? What is working great in your career or business?

Then look at opportunities for growth and things that could use a little TLC. This is a great time to nurture relationships that have gotten a little quiet. This is also a great time to improve systems and processes. What systems could use a tune up in your personal life and professional life? Budgets need a once-over? Asses your goals and take time to write them down, visualize them and create a vision board.

DREAM NO LITTLE DREAMS

A fun exercise to do is to reflect over your dreams as a kid. What did you want to be when you grew up? What did you want from life? How did you want to impact this world and how did you want to make it a better place because you lived here? Those childlike desires can be an incredible compass in creating your purpose and fulfillment. For me, I wanted to be the President of the United States. I remember at a young age seeing so many situations that seemed wrong in the world and in my mind the best way to solve them was to run for office.

Now, as an adult I know I wouldn’t want to or have the capability to become president, but instead, I became president of my own company and that gives me so many chances today and in the future to improve lives. Although I make mistakes, I learn as fast as I can to do better next time!

REINVENT

Yourself and your business, if applicable. You’ve taken the time to restore and reflect so how can you pivot? During a crisis is when growth happens! So, opportunity lies in front of you today!! In our business, we have taken the time to improve the website, make hair and makeup tutorials and launch a digital platform so we can continue to offer the best in hairstyling, makeup and overall beauty!

So during Covid19, during the coronavirus pandemic, how can you become the best version of you?