As the country (NZ) wraps it's head around the second wave of COVID-19; it would be easy to allow feelings of disillusionment, anxiety and frustration to kick in. Here's some tips on how to keep your cool over the coming weeks in level 2 and 3.
Everyone has their own war stories, be it self isolation, work stress, cancelling dream holidays, wedding plans disrupted, and running out of toilet roll. It doesn't matter who you talk to, what their age is, the dreaded C word is the first thing on peoples minds.
If the latest announcement has sent you in to a spin, here's some simple hacks to keep your body and mind on track.
Check in with yourself
How are you feeling? Learn to notice the subtle signs your body gives you throughout the day. Tight chest, butterflies in your tummy, lump in throat, shallow breathing. These signs when unnoticed can generate negative thought patterns which in turn exacerbate the physical symptoms.
Once you recognise your stress signals, take the time to stop and breathe. 5 slow deep belly breaths will take your body out of it's stressed state and you will immediately feel restored. TOP TIPS: If your mind is too busy, give it something to do. Count backwards from 100 as you breathe slowly and deeply in and out through the nose. To enhance your feeling of wellbeing, make your exhale longer than the inhale. Breathe fully and deeply in to the tummy.
What are you thinking? We see what we perceive. Be aware of your thoughts and ask yourself 'are they are true?' and 'are they helpful?' With a minimum of 60,000 thoughts running around in our mind on any given day, it makes sense to acknowledge our thoughts and give the unhelpful ones the boot. Call yourself out when you think or say something negative. Is it true? Is it helpful? How would an optimistic, objective bystander see the same situation? TOP TIP: We all come with our own map of the world and see things in different ways. Many of our beliefs are created as a child. When you catch your thoughts, use it as an opportunity for a clear out. Are these beliefs outdated? Are they even yours? If so, what new beliefs can you substitute? If you want something or someone to change, go inwards and ask yourself how you could see things differently. There is no space for judgement here. Just a brilliant opportunity for growth.
Check in with others
Get out of your head and be of service. How good does it feel when you do something for someone else? Boost your feel good hormones by showing kindness, gratitude and thought to others around you.
I just called to say I love you: Pick up the phone and check in with your family, friends and neighbours'. Actually sit down and fully engage in the conversation. Notice how grounding this is for you both.
Pay it forward: On a recent road trip I stopped in to the BP garage and ordered a cup of tea. When I went to pay, the cashier said that someone had paid for it on my behalf. I cherish my tea, but THIS CUPPA was even more special. I took each sip with a grateful heart to the person that paid it forward on to me. Find a way to pay it forward to a stranger, friend or colleague and feel incredible knowing that someone out there will be filled with gratitude BECAUSE OF YOU.
Stay tuned next week for Part 2 "When life throws you a curveball"
Written by Anna Veale from Fresh Coaching www.freshcoaching.me