2020… wow, I don’t even know what to say. Things are changing in big ways and we are being tested in what is truly important. For me, the anxiety and worries of the world have been getting a little bit much so I’ve stepped up the self care which made me realise just how IMPORTANT this is as we navigate these unprecedented and challenging times.
Here goes… If these are new to you I hope they help bring some solace and time out from the uncertainty.
GO OUTSIDE. Get your bare feet onto the Earth. Take a deep breath. Close your eyes and listen to the sounds of nature. Soak up sunshine. Hug a tree. (I’m not kidding) It WILL make you feel better.
BREATHE. So many of us are not breathing deeply enough. Our stressed lives make for shallow breathing. Stop now and take three slow DEEP breaths. Feel your body start to uncoil. Your nervous system will thank you.
MOVE. My favourite is to put on a banging playlist and dance around like an idiot. The endorphins (and giggles) are immediate. This works especially well with young kids at home - it may mean you’re dancing to Frozen or the Wiggles (god help you) but it’s movement all the same. If running is your thing, do a quick lap around the block. If the kids are at home and you can’t get away pull out the yoga mat and just do a few stretches. You will feel better I promise.
GRATITUDE. Gratitude fixes bloody everything in my book. ‘No matter how bad things are they could always be worse’ my Great Grandma used to tell me. She taught me to always look for the good. Before you go to bed (or anytime for that matter) pull out a piece of paper and write everything you are grateful for. There are a lot of blessings to count and sometimes we forget just how lucky we are when we get caught up in fear.
SWITCH OFF. We have never been more connected to the rest of the world as much as we are now. Our 24 hour news channels + apps, social media scrolling, Facebook rants and group chats all make for a LOT of noise. We are not just feeling our own worries but taking on the stress and emotional load of everyone and everything we consume online. I’ve taken 48 hours off from the social media world and already my mind is so much clearer. The benefits of being so connected are immense as we can help support each other but it’s also good to give yourself some distance sometimes to reset. You can then return with a much more positive state of mind and spread some love instead of adding to the fear.
These are my main go-to’s to feel better… Have I missed something that works for you? Please feel free to add below in the comments. Would love to hear! We’ve gotta pull together and support each other through, sending SO much love.
Jodi x
