For some, this is a time to slow down and take stock. To be grateful for our health, our friends and our families. For others, this is a lonely time away from those we love or a time to cope with sickness. It is a trying time for all of us regardless of our background or indeed our foreground. Wherever we are and at whatever point we found ourselves in our lives when lockdown arrived, this is a challenge because it is a change. We have to learn to adjust. We have to create a new ‘normal’. We have to contemplate days, weeks and maybe months ahead of us that are not what we are used to. Not what we have planned. Disappointment and for some grief.
At a time like this, a time like no other, it is helpful to develop new routines. To think about the day ahead in small chunks that you can fill with things that you enjoy or that you find interesting. Or fill with jobs that need to be completed and notice the feeling of accomplishment once those jobs have been done. It does not take long to develop a new routine. It does not take long before that new routine begins to be the new ‘normal’ and brings with it a sense of comfort and of meaning in your life.
Mindful approaches to creating a new routine will help. Take notice of how you feel at the moment. Be aware of your feelings, of your senses, of what you have achieved and what you have to be grateful for in that moment. Gratitude helps to energise us and makes us feel that things are ok. That things will continue to be ok.
A little self-coaching can go a long way to helping you find equilibrium, balance, peace of mind. Ask yourself what you would like to achieve today, this week, this month or in a year from now. Consider what you could do differently to help you on your journey to achieving that goal, desire or idea. Think about the end… what is the ideal outcome for you? What would a good outcome look like. Spend some time journaling your ideas, concerns, and considerations.
Next, consider what actions you could take, what could you do to begin your dream? When wondering about actions think about what resources you may need (time, money, support from a friend) and when you think you could begin those actions or even one action which will become the first step in your journey.
Now ask yourself (and be as honest as you can) how committed are you to doing something different? Something that you have not yet tried. This is the clinching question. Sometimes it helps to rate the answer between 1 - 10. 1= Definitely not going to do any of the actions, and 10= Definitely going to start my first action today. Where would you put yourself for each action you have devised? If you are below 7 on the scale you are very unlikely to complete the action. You are not committed to the action, but you may still be committed to the goal, desire or idea.
You do not need to be despondent at this point. Just go back to identifying another action that you may feel more connected with.
Self-coaching can be helpful and offers you the chance to use this time at home for self-reflection, planning goals and discovering what you want to achieve for you.
If you would like to get in touch for more ideas or to book a 1:1 coaching session with Arise Wellbeing that can help you feel calm, fulfilled and have a sense of wellbeing during these challenging times then please feel free to get in touch.