Deep down, we probably all knew that the second lockdown was coming, but when it arrived, the reality of it is no easier.
Every single one of us is suffering some form of hardship, whether economic, being isolated from the people you love, isolating with someone you would rather not or much worse, isolating with a partner who is either physically or verbally abusive
We know this pandemic will be over, eventually, but it’s damage could last a life-time, especially with regards to our mental health. And so to that end, I would like to share with you some of my strategies for loving and caring for yourself, during this second lockdown and beyond.
- Stop reading the newspapers and listening to the news. The majority of the world is in the same boat, but the media only want to concentrate on the negative, doom and gloom as though we are the only one affected. Reading and listening to that day in day out, will have a profoundly negative effect on your state of mind. You can become aware and informed via other trusted sources.
- Accept that the current situation is beyond your control. You cannot change anything at this moment in time, even if you wanted to.
- Stay in the moment of now. Drop the ‘what if’s’ or ‘maybe’s’, they’re just forms of self-torture. Focus on the ‘let’s see’.
- Create a regular routine for yourself and your family and delegate jobs around the house.
- Embrace each day as it comes, look for the good and revel in what it has to offer. Take advantage of the weather before the Winter sets in, and get out there into nature. Even if you live in the cities, find your local park and visit regularly. Bathe in the majesty that is nature. Scientifically proven to reduce stress.
- Eat as well as you can and drink plenty of water.
- Exercise every single day. Whatever works for you, a brisk walk, a 5k run, yoga or Pilates just move your body.
- Get dressed and take care of your appearance. It’s amazing how that can increase mood positivity.
- Set aside time every single day just for you to do something that puts a smile on your face. Like, the silence of the morning and enjoying every single mouthful of that first cup of tea/coffee/juice of the day. Or Spend an extra 5 minutes in the bath or shower, whatever it is for you, do it.
- WATCH COMEDY. It’s impossible to feel stressed and anxious when you’re laughing. Fact! Every day, for years, I have watched at least 30 minutes of comedy, usually just before bed. I sleep like a baby and with a smile on my face!
Yes, I know it all looks good and very doable on paper and honestly, with a little effort, it really is. I promise you that extra effort is really worth it.
With love,
If you’d like more information, grab a cuppa and hop on a no-obligation call to find out how I can help and, more importantly, if I’m the right person for you.
Love
Marie xox