136: Life Through Loss During A Pandemic With Dr.Morgan Francis

More than ever, we are all needing help and guidance to deal with the current circumstances we’re in right now. I had the pleasure of having @drmorganfrancis, Body Image Expert and Therapist, back on the Move Forward Podcast this week. She gives us some much-needed motivation and advice on tackling the trauma of loss and grief we are collectively going through right now as a society through this pandemic. We also dive into body shaming and treating yourself with more kindness and grace as we learn to navigate our “new norm.”On this episode we dive into: What we’re experiencing right now is in fact trauma and loss. All of our usual methods for coping with stress have been taken away from us so she shares several things we can do as we shift into a new way to exist. Things to help you manage your feelings during this time: NAME IT - meaning, name what you are currently experiencing; admit to yourself that you are in fact going through extreme trauma right now and that you are also experiencing loss.The three (3) U’s of Grief and Loss:UNIVERSAL: We’re all experiencing it. UNIQUE: In our own unique ways. UNCERTAINTY: But we are still so uncertain about what the future holds. What comparative suffering is and why we need to stop doing it! (Hint: Just because your situation may look “less grim” than another, it doesn’t mean that your suffering isn’t worthy of being seen or heard.)Setting out clear, attainable routines for the morning and evening to keep on top of nurturing your mental health - and examples of how you can do this.Understanding that it’s okay to take time to yourself to just “be,” and not, “do” - but finding a healthy balance for this because escaping reality isn’t healthy for us to do all the time. How to inspire and motivate the people around you to get them out of a negative funk.Modelling a positive relationship with your own body to ensure your child feels comfortable in their skin too.Being kinder to ourselves if our bodies have changed since being in quarantine and instead, seeing how these are the bodies that are getting us through and helping us survive.Exploring self-hate to get self-love.The take home: There are so many different experiences and moods and feelings that each person is going through right now as their response to this trauma, so be a little bit more kind (to yourself and others). Continue to remind yourself that there is infinite opportunity that lies within struggle; which means there is a chance for new beginnings through all of this! Wherever your energy feels the best, spend your time in that place. Don’t get sucked into spending time or worry where it’s not serving you!Get in touch with Dr. Morgan FrancisINSTAGRAM: @drmorganfrancisTo receive Mindfulness Messages a couple of times/ week, text: 1-202-759-6205Promo code for $100 off "Loving Yourself Through Loss”: GRATITUDE100Check out the previous episode I recorded with Dr. Morgan here: Episode 81: Overcoming Mental Health, Body Shaming & Loss With Dr. Morgan Francis