I have now lived under varying levels of covid restrictions for the past 20 months and somehow life feels normal.
I was living in London when covid hit and we were quickly launched into the unknown. Restrictions were enforced upon us and life changed overnight. We lived under restrictions throughout 2020 and into 2021 (with a very long, cold, and lonely Christmas in between). During this time we decided to move back to NZ, so as the UK started to open up to the world, we set off to NZ where covid appeared to be non-existent. Typically, as we were due to arrive, the country saw its first case of covid in 12 months pushing Auckland into a strict level 4 lockdown... yes, great timing on our part!
It has now been 20 months since restrictions were introduced into our world, but I seem to have become immune to the constant covid chatter and the uncertain times we live in. Over the past couple of years, I have learnt how to better manage my wellbeing and I woke up this morning wanting to share some of my tips with you. I hope they might be of use to someone out there…
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1. Limit your time watching/reading the news
Covid chatter is everywhere we look and we can easily become consumed with constant updates. It is so important to be able to switch off from this. If you are affected by the news, but feel you need to engage with it then limit this engagement to a certain time of the day for a short period of time.
2. Check in to the present regularly
Our minds can control us if we let them; they can take us into the distant future where we worry about what might be, or into the past worrying about what has been. But, we can take back control of our thoughts and bring ourselves into the present moment. There are many ways to do this including meditation.
3. Shift your perspective
When you find yourself thinking negatively, take a step back. Focus on the positives and think about what you are grateful for. Gratitude journals can be really helpful here!
4. Do something mindful
Paint. Bake. Listen to music. Use your senses to check in to the present. Do whatever makes you, you.
5. Identify what you can and cannot control
This is something I have particularly struggled with, but it is becoming easier for me to let things go that I am unable to control. I now try to focus on what I can control and take action on those things.
6. Get outside once a day for a walk, or other form of exercise
Get outside, even if it’s the last thing you feel like doing, even if it’s raining. A walk is a great way to clear your mind!
7. Take on a challenge
Some kind of challenge such as a 30 day yoga challenge can provide a daily boost. They keep you moving, provide you with a routine, and help you to feel productive. There are many different challenges online, which you can do at home.
8. Set boundaries between work and home life
Last, but definitely not least, remember just because you are working from home does not mean you need to work additional hours. Set yourself boundaries: take a full lunch break, put your computer away after work, delete your emails from your personal phone etc. etc. Burnout is real and it is so important to set your own boundaries.
I hope these tips have been useful.
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I also offer 1:1 coaching around all aspects of wellbeing, so reach out if you would like to discuss this further. You can schedule a call here - https://go.oncehub.com/Wellbeingwithruth
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