Sulabha "Su" Abhyankar, LCSW and Associates

We are now having the time and space to introspect. Think of all the experiences you would like to experience in this life time. It can be as simple as blowing bubbles, watching the stars on a clear night from the top of a hill or the roof top, swimming in the ocean or as intense as bungy jumping or sky diving. Some people call it the bucket list, I call it my treasure box. Once I experience the activity I get to keep the memory in my treasure box. Add a post it note with the idea in your box and date it. One day at the right time in your life, in the right moment with the right people fulfill it. You will know intuitively when it is to happen. Trust your gut. Enjoy these moments. Thrive in your life.

Research has shown that art, coloring, painting reduces anxiety. It calms our nervous system down. The focus shifts from worrying, to being creative. So take a piece of paper, some crayons, colored pencils or paint. Connect with your body with rhythmic breaths, put on some fun music and let your critical brain take a break. Allow the creativity to flow with colors. Do not worry about forms, shapes. Just put colors out on paper and watch what happens. Share with friends and family and encourage them to do the same.

Mindfulness. We get hooked on to anxious, upsetting thoughts. Visualize your thoughts floating away. Use your imagination and creativity in your unique way and watch those anxious thoughts lift off like balloons released in the sky, watch them disappear deep into the sky. Blow bubbles and watch your thoughts land on the bubbles and pop. If you don't have store made bubbles make some with dish washing soap and water, roll a paper into a straw and blow bubbles. A few minutes of mindfulness can help manage your frustrations. And as always remember to take deep breaths from your nose and think of what you have that is precious....your health, your family,safety and as you slowly release your breath....release any tensions, negative thoughts out into the air.

This crisis is going to have long lasting effects on the economy. A lot of people are go going to struggle financially. If you are someone that can survive these times reasonably well, use this time to go through your closet and pick out clothes you can donate in the near future. Right now,when you go to buy groceries pick up a few basic supplies and drive over to a food bank and donate them. Compassion towards each other during difficult times creates hope that everything will eventually be all right. This too shall pass.