As 2020, and COVID drag on it is important to be patient with ourselves, our families and our neighbors. This month, we are going to look at simple strategies that are meant to help you feel a little less crazy this year.
Shhhhhh…. It’s quiet time.
It may sound simplistic but how often do you turn all of your electronics off? (No, sleeping does not count.) No TV, no radio/Spotify, no video games. Just quiet. It doesn't have to be long, you can start with 20-30 minutes but try it. I often find a I get a little lost for a few minutes then once I start in on a task, I don't notice it as much.
Meditate.
Before you ask, no this is not quiet time. Meditation is about slowing down and listening to your thoughts and your breath. If you have never done it before, try any one of the free downloadable apps or even one of the zillions of free YouTube videos or even better.... Set a timer on your phone for five minutes. Then sit down, get comfortable and just breath. The most important thing is to not judge, just notice what thoughts feelings come up. You will not feel changed magically at the end but you will at least have checked in with yourself and know how you actually feel.
Make Your Bed.
Yes, this sounds simplistic but most of us are spending A LOT of additional time at home and starting the day by doing something as simple as making our beds makes us feel as though we have done something right. You also have the added bonus of not having to look at an unmade bed.
Routine, Routine Routine.
I don't think I can stress this enough, it is really important to feel like there is a routine. When everything around you is in chaos, a routine can help you feel anchored back into your life. You can modify/adjust/change the routine but it helps give you some power back.
Tidy.
I have been going on and on about tidying for several years now. When there is chaos in your space, you will have additional chaos in your mind. If you want to help yourself (and your family) focus and calm the heck down, get rid of stuff that is not working for you and find a home for what belongs.
Quick note, I have not watched the Marie Kondo special on Netflix. I have read all of her books and attended her training and met her.... didn't feel like I needed to watch anymore TV. I also know that not everyone loves to read as much as I do so this may be a better way for some people to take in her points. Or... maybe if you love the show you will read the book (insert devious smile here.).
I'm not of the mind that you need to buy a bunch of stuff to make things feel clear, clean and organized but if it makes you happy to add color like The Home Edit company does, then knock yourself out.
Nutrition.
Note: I am NOT talking about a diet. When Quarantine first started I was eating a LOT of chocolate cake. As I settled back into a new routine and got myself back into my meal prep and planning, I continued to make space for 'treats' but I also made sure I was not making chocolate a food group. Whether we want to admit it or not, our nutrition impacts our mood and state of mind. You do not have to be plant based to survive 2020 but it would serve you well to think about how you are treating your body.
Make it Nice!
Days before Austin shut down my fur child of almost 17 years crossed the rainbow bridge making being stuck at home a lot crappier. But her vet (NW Vet Hospital, who I absolutely love) and a couple of friends sent me flowers. As I was home such much I was really able to enjoy them. When they all died, I decided to get more. Almost each week, I have bought flowers since then and they really make it nice to be inside so much. Especially since it is currently way too hot to go outside.
You certainly do not need to buy flowers each week but it is worth considering how you could make your space a little nicer to be in. Maybe it is a candle or a plant but it worth looking around and thinking about how to make it a little nicer to be home so much.
Cut Yourself Some Slack.
And maybe everyone else too while you're at it. I have started trying to push things back, make sure that I'm saying no when I need to and taking breaks. I took a few days off in July and though I didn't go far, I totally needed the break. We all need to take breaks and give ourselves the grace to not have gotten it all right.
These are certainly not all of the or the only ways to survive. We all have different needs. It's ok to spend a little time wondering what needs you have that are not currently being met and exploring some more creative options to get those needs met. Next time, I will explore some strategies for work.
As always, I’m here. If you are ready to work on having the life you want, call me and let’s get started!