6 Ideas to Help You Get Through This Trying Time.
As the leaves change colors and we make our way into winter here in Maryland, I’ve been thinking about this season as a time to prepare. A time to prepare for what is ahead. Similar to when we use to go on trips (before the pandemic) and we would pack our luggage after checking the weather of the place in which we were visiting. Or building the itinerary based on the interests of the people going on the trip, making sure that everyone felt included and was able to see something that they were interested in.
The COVID-19 cases are beginning to climb again and as those numbers increase, I find myself thinking about how I should prepare mentally for what could be another shutdown. What do I need to survive another round? I’m not talking about toilet paper or cleaning wipes. I’m talking mentally and spiritually. What do I need to do for myself and my family so that we can mentally survive the uncertainty, helplessness, and feelings of sadness?
Here is the list that I’ve made for myself and I hope it helps you in thinking of how you can prepare for this winter as well.
1. I bought a new winter jacket that is made for really low temperatures so that going on a walk with a friend is more pleasant to do.
As humans we are hardwired for connection, it’s important to prepare for the outdoor temperatures in order to stay in connection with the people you love. Visiting with friends or family outdoors and maintaining a six-foot distance is our safest bet.
2. Candles now live in every room of my house.
The uplifting smells really change my mood in an instant. Citrus smells are great for productivity. Lavender and vanilla scents can reduces stress and ease relaxation. Bergamot helps to boost your overall mood.
3. Holding my weekly yoga class on my calendar as sacred.
Absolutely NOTHING will take me away from that time on my mat, as a student. The to-do list will always be there. The emails and requests from my family can wait 60 minutes. First I need to refill my well. If I serve my family or my clients from a place of depletion, I am not serving them at my highest potential.
4. I’ve made a reoccurring FaceTime date with a friend for 1 hr each Friday to authentically connect regardless of whether we feel “good” or “bad”.
It’s so easy to cancel the scheduled hangout time with a friend when you are feeling blue. But this friend has seen me in my darkest days and the same goes for me seeing him and helping him through some tough struggles. We’ve promised each other to show up, each week and allow the conversation to be whatever it is. No expectations of happiness. No expectations of deep, powerful conversations either. It’s important for each of us to have a safe relationship outside of our marriage in which we can be honest and authentic. We are spending more time with our spouses during this pandemic, which is awesome. But it can also feel a bit like an echo chamber. Connect with someone who maybe thinks differently than you on a few topics, hear a different perspective.
5. I’m going to read every Bee Yoga Fusion book club book.
Even if it’s not something I would normally pick to read simply because I yearn for the connection with the folks who show up. Once a month we meet over zoom to discuss the book, one person volunteers to “host” the conversation, which basically means they google some questions to ask the group. It’s only an hour meeting but it feeds my soul in a way that nothing else does right now. Join us for our no-frills book club.
6. We purchased several new games to play with the teens.
Here are the ones that are in heavy rotation right now on our dining room table. Jumanji, Phase 10 card game, and Icons.
How will you prepare for another shutdown or stay-at-home order?
Reach out to your community, find an accountability buddy to take online fitness classes with, don’t resist help. Let’s lean on each other within the next stage of this uncertainty.
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