It is a very odd time right now. I was not expecting to be writing a post like this I actually had a couple of others lined up and ready to go but in the current climate that doesn’t seem appropriate. Instead I want to help you keep grounded and nurturing a positive mindset whilst everything else is up in the air. With a change in routine, potential loss of work and/or hobbies, a shift in family dynamics it can be really easy to get stuck in a negative funk. I totally get it I have been there, and I want to say you are allowed to be upset, you are allowed to be scared and you are allowed to just do nothing whilst it all sinks in. This list isn’t telling you to do all these things now, I’m not here to preach instead I am here to offer a little support and maybe some guidance if you need it.
Here are 10 things I am going to be doing to help keep me as positive as I can be:
1/ Have a routine.
Working from home, being stuck in side is going to be tough for a lot of us. We are having to change how we work and live. But try and have some kind of routine throughout your day like you used too. Something as simple as getting dressed, scheduling some movement, giving yourself breaks, marking an end of day. A routine is normal, this is just a new kind of normal.
2/ Keep connected
We may not be able to physically see friends and family but that doesn’t mean you have to stop contact with them all together. Ring, send voice notes, skype or face time regularly to get updates and have that social interaction. Netflix have even made watching that a social thing with their party option so have a girls night (without leaving your own home)
3/Movement
Move your body in some way that feels good for you. It could be one of the many home workouts you will see on Instagram (I should know I’ve posted a few ), it could be yoga, virtual class, dancing, stretching, sex, going for a walk/run (away from people). It doesn’t have to be intense, it doesn’t have to be a workout as such but we were made to move. Our physical and mental health benefit so much from it and that is the reason we should be doing it. It will be different but if you can move in someway.
4/ Change your goals, change your focus.
You had goals for the year – fitness, life, work etc. These might not be as possible now. That is ok, it is out of your control there is no point in stressing yourself out over them. Instead look at what you can control and put those goals on hold. Focus on the now, focus on you and focus on how you can ease yourself into this new normal and find the positives in it. We are all in the same boat so maybe reach out to someone in a similar situation and see how you can help each other.
5/ Do something that makes you happy
Now more than ever we need to make ourselves happy so find something that you love that you can do in this situation. What fills your cup ??
6/ Create a positive environment to be in
Unfollow any accounts on social media that don’t work for you right now. You can always refollow them later down the line.
Give yourself news media distance so you are not constantly reading what is going on. Catch up later on.
7/ Work on you
You know that thing you have always wanted to do but never had the time ? Well now you do so throw yourself into it and see what can happen.
8/ Keep looking after yourself
What you eat, how you move, what you fill your brain with, how you look after yourself will all have a bearing on how you feel mentally. Make sure all of these are nourishing your body, mind and soul. And PLEASE don’t stress about diets and ruining your progress or loosing your gains or restricting yourself. Now isn’t the time to fall back onto the diet culture mindset of society, it won’t help you in anyway I promise you that.
9/ Do you really need your fitness tracker ?
This is a personal one and may not apply to you or your situation. But if you are stuck in self isolation is having something telling you how many steps you have done or not done really going to help your mindset? Personally as much as I love my Fitbit I will be removing it if I am not allowed to really go anywhere because it isn’t worth it. I don’t need something on my wrist saying I haven’t done many steps today. Like I say it’s a personal one but maybe something to consider.
10/ Show compassion, kindness and love
Being negative to others, blaming people and just being mean is not going to make you feel any better. It will only make to feel worse and more negative towards the situation. Instead let’s show some compassion and kindness to other whether it’s online or in person. Show gratitude daily and remember things you are grateful for and can be positive about. Write them down, journal, meditate to clear your mind, whatever it is keep doing it.
As the famous High School Musical song says we are all in this together so let’s remember that and the fact we will come out of this stronger.
Here if anyone needs help.
Sending Love
Stay Safe
Vicki xxxx
