With time and energy on my hands to divert into an area of my work I've always enjoyed, the podcasting and video creation gets a fresh airing!
In this episode, I jump into a groove that is not necessarily all about your dog, but more about YOU and the various ways in which you can navigate your way through this stressful and uncertain time of the Coronavirus pandemic.
I provide 13 headings that I created fresh last week once the gravity of the situation had become fully apparent:
This list came to me one night before bed and I quickly jotted them down on Notes on my phone. I’ve padded it out a little since. The points on the list are what resonate with me…your priorities and list will probably vary from mine, but you get the idea.
1) To be happy - it’s what we’re here for - despite the present difficult and uncertain times.
2) To create periods of staying busy - giving in to patterns of negative thinking now could lead to a general slow down and depression. Keep occupied with things that you enjoy.
3) To build in periods of exercise - do what makes you happy and feels good, keeping yourself mentally and physically fit and strong is essential.
4) To build in periods of mindful relaxation - a daily relaxation or meditation practice can greatly reduce stress and creates a sense of calm perspective. Stress attacks the immune system, so be proactive about managing stress levels.
5) To build in time for simply doing nothing - it’s okay to simply stop the endless cycle of feeling on the go.
6) To build in periods of creativity - the expression of your creative self through your chosen approach can absorb periods of time where you get out of your own way.
7) To build in time with loved ones - connecting or reconnecting with those in our lives that matter most.
8) Take time to savour good food - creating a special dish for you and your family helps create a common bond to come together and to enjoy the simple things in life.
9) Take time to be in the present - peace can only be found in the moment you have now. Dwelling on the past can bring feelings of regret and looking too far ahead can create stress as we turn over possible outcomes which are unlikely to occur.
10) Take stock of your next steps Take time to Build in periods where we allow thoughts of our future lives and how we would like that to look and feel - a period of rebuilding, along with deep outer and inner appraisals are likely to be the order of the day in the coming months.
11) Take time to express gratitude - to build in periods for expressing gratitude for the simple, free things in life.
12) Moderate your exposure to the media. There is a big difference between sensibly keeping abreast of latest developments and then watching dramatic and even alarmist newsreels all day. Turn it off and go do one of the above instead. Doing so doesn’t mean you don’t care; you’re simply choosing what to think about and focus upon instead.
13) Take time to care for yourself so you can care for others. Finally, take time to care for yourself and those around you - take time to care for all aspects of yourself as set out above so that you can then effectively look after others including giving the best you can to your dog!
