 We all know that things are weird right now... I don’t need to tell you that! It’s easy to feel down with everything that’s going on around us – especially when most of us can’t see friends and family in person. So I thought I’d share tools I’ve been using to pick myself up, while my usual methods of cheering myself up are off limits. Try one, two... or all ten if you like!
And remember that it’s not about “doing lockdown perfectly”. It’s about getting through the day... however that works for you. 1. Do something lovely for someone else Write a card to a friend, buy a gift card to support your favourite restaurant, or do a radio dedication to your partner who is working all hours. Get creative... who could you send love to, and how could you improve their day? Focusing on other people is a great way to feel better about ourselves. (Think of it as win-win, not as being selfish!) 2. Use this mantra... This is a time for gentleness. If you start beating yourself up, repeat the above to yourself. We need all our resources to handle this strange time. It’s not a time for comparison, or beating yourself up. It’s a time for compassion and acknowledging the pressure we’re under. Repeat after me: This is a time for gentleness. 3. Fill your home with good music Maybe it's one-hit wonders; ocean sounds... or something completely different! Or you might start with some loud pick-me-ups to get going in the morning, and finish with some calming spa music in the evening. Music soothes our souls (not to mention the calories burned from a good boogie!) 4. What can you take from this experience? Think about the following phrase: “This lockdown is an opportunity for me to...” What could you get done that you’ve been putting off? What can you learn from this situation? Is there an opportunity you can take from this? 5. Find pleasure where you can
Why not now?! 6. Allow yourself to start small We’re spending lots of mental energy handling the changes unfolding right now. So for working out, completing a project, or getting back to a routine... know that it might take longer than normal. And that’s okay. Start small, and build it up slowly. You’ll get there just as fast as if you rush, burn out, and have to start again ;) 8. Hide your phone. Seriously. I know I wrote about this last week. But if there’s one thing I’ve noticed more than anything, it’s that my phone usage is clearly linked to feeling good (or bad). Phones, apps and websites are designed to be addictive. To get you to click once more... scroll through one more photo (and then another...) Often we don’t even notice we’re on our phones! So use your phone with intention. Fight back ;) Find other ways to get that dopamine hit. 9. Make your home look pretty Okay, it doesn’t have to be “pretty”, as such. But surround yourself with things that make you feel good. I mean, we could be here a while... ;) I’ve put fairy lights on our mantelpiece, printed some family photos to go on the walls, and am slowly decluttering (a cluttered space makes me feel on edge). What could you do in YOUR space? 10. Bring out the big guns This isn’t a drill. We might need to dig deep to keep on top of things in this unexpected time. So connect with your besties. Watch your favourite comedy shows. Drink wine, or eat cake (in moderation). Ditch things that stress you out (unless they pay your bills!) Relax. When we get through this – and we will – we’ll have learned a lot. We’ll be grateful for a lot. We’ll (hopefully) take time to slow down and connect more. And we’ll have a great story to bore our grandkids with ;) From the living room of my 2-bed apartment in Vancouver, Claire PS – I’d love to know where you’re holed up, if you’re in lockdown right now! ❤
4 Comments
4/2/2020 11:47:19 pm
I'm in Virginia. We're fine. This is a time for gentleness. We're reading a lot and getting outside everyday for a little exercise with the dog. This is a time for gentleness. It's my friend's birthday. I fretted for awhile not being able to shop (or even make then pass something to her), so I made a donation in her name to the local food bank. This is a time for gentleness. 4/3/2020 04:13:42 am
Hey Priscilla. I'm glad you're doing okay. Ah, this time next week I would have been in Virginia (for a conference - which has obviously been cancelled!) I love that you're getting outside, and that you have a pet - they are such a great source of comfort! And that's a fantastic idea about the food bank; good for you. It's a very tricky time hey. But YES to gentleness. Over and over and over :)
Chloe
4/3/2020 06:09:58 am
I'm over in Malaysia and we're under a Movement Restriction Order (MRO). We can't go out except for emergencies and to get essentials. Also, they're only allowing one individual per car. 4/4/2020 04:46:06 pm
Hi Chloe, thanks for your comment. I love that you're all the way over in Malaysia! Very interesting about the one individual per car. Good for you for cooking more, and I'm the same - I worked from home before, so it's not as much of an adjustment. Mini Goals are awesome! What a great idea. (Argh, I hate burpees - I'm impressed!) And yay for self-improvement while this is going on, and making the most of the time. Good for you! Thanks for your comment, and stay sane and healthy! <3 Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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