No one could have predicted what is happening around the world right now, so no one can predict how to feel. For me, it has been a time filled with emotion and uncertainty but one week on, I've come out the other side with a new found inspiration. After riding a rollercoaster of emotions, I have decided to jot down a few things that have kept me smiling and has certainly helped keep me sane (well a little bit) through this epidemic.
1. Let yourself be totally bonkers
I am still trying too get my head around what is actually going on. It's all a bit barking mad isn't it? But this week has been the first time in a long time that I have actually had time to stop. And in this pause a lot of hidden emotions, doubts and fears have risen to the surface. It has been an opportunity to actually feel. This is something I struggle with and I certainly find leading a busy life is an easy excuse to block out these feelings, rather than deal with them. It is a scary thought to be completely honest with yourself. To look at emotions head on. But in this time of uncertainty, know that whatever you are feeling it is okay. You may even have old emotions just coming to say hello again. So, if your feeling a bit lost, sad, stressed or a little (or a lot) bonkers. Just feel it. Accept it. Move on.
It's completely normal not to be normal
2. Don't take it personal
I have learnt this week, we are all feeling something and we have to respect that in ourselves and in others. We are all processing our own grievances. What you feel may be completely different in another. So, don't take it personal if something or someone seems a bit off. If you are in social isolation with family, roommates or a partner, it is inevitable that things might start to get on your nerves. But with emotions running high...
...think carefully about whatever it is your cranky brain wants to say!
Take a moment before you express your concerns and be honest with what it really is that is affecting you. If you’re really upset because you’re grieving the loss of your social life, say so and don't blame it on failure to take out the rubbish. Try to differentiate between the surface and the real emotion.
3. Make everyone a priority, especially yourself
There is enough time in the day to not only show your family or a loved one how much they mean to you. But it is also important to give yourself a little bit of extra care. How often do we do this? With more time on our hands, use it as an opportunity. Reconnect with your lost passions. Spend time doing things that you love to do. Is there something you have always wanted to try but never had the time? Well here is your chance!
This time is made for you. Use it.
It could be as simple as taking a bath... for everyone there will be something that you haven't done in a while. I forgot how much I love cooking. When I am busy, I become obsessed with work and I feel I don't even have time in the day to eat. I end up snacking throughout the day on bits and bobs which leaves me feeling lethargic. This week, I have found the time to cook again, my body and my mind are feeling grateful of the new found nutrition.
As for everyone else, be understanding to their needs. We are all in this together. Sharing love and support will help guide us through.
4. A bit of healthy competition never hurt anyone
I have been setting myself little challenges. Just for a bit of fun. In my whole 28 years, I have never been able to ride a bike with no hands. Something I have always wanted to be able to do. It just looks really cool doesn't it? It might sound crazy but what a sense of accomplishment I felt when I managed to ride for a whole 30 seconds or so.
NO HANDS!
It felt good. It felt like I had actually achieved something with my day. So, I am continuing to set myself little goals. Whether it is attempting to do a single push up or running a marathon, try it. See how it makes you feel, me like...
Another one of mine, is to start teaching yoga online. Something, I have never had the confidence to do. But I am feeling proud that I have finally released my first online yoga video! If you need some grounding amidst all the madness check it out here (it fits in with the next tip too).
5. Get your groove on
Don’t get me wrong, we all crave those lazy days where we don’t have to get out of our jammies, can lay horizontal for hours on end and snack all day. This is healthy every now and again but doing this day in day out during the lock in may leave you feeling a bit worse for ware. So move your body...
Step 1: get dressed. It’s a whole crazy psychological thing but if your dressed for bed, it’s like your brain doesn’t want to wake up. If you don’t get ready for the day, your day never really starts.
Step 2: get some fresh air. Saying the world is filled with an ‘unhealthy virus’, the air has never felt fresher. Here in Morocco, normally the roads are busy and as I approach the city I can feel myself driving through an ever thickening wall of pollution. Today, the skies are clear and there is no fog misting my view. Even China's CO2 emissions are down by a quarter!
Take advantage. Let your lungs breathe. Get energised for step 3...
Step 3: get your groove on. Whether it is trying a bit of yoga, riding a bike or having a little dance. Move that body of yours!
6. Just enjoy yourself
Do something fun... or just do something normal. If your Friday night is spent with friends at the pub, bring the pub to you. Have you heard of the new HouseParty app? Just because the pubs are closed on a Friday night, doesn't mean you can't have fun.
Tonight we are having a party.
Total attendees: 2
Do you know how excited I am? It has given me something to look forward to and is bringing a bit of normality back in this very abnormal situation.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Until then, I wish you all a happy weekend. Stay safe, stay sane.
Big Love, Nads.