Storms don’t last forever

Hello,
It’s been ages since I have blogged, but I think due to what’s happening in the world right now I feel a ThinkLess*LiveMore Blog is needed.

I must admit, I have not blogged in a while as I have been focusing on myself and taking some me time. For those of you that know me or have read my blogs before you will know I suffer with anxiety and the start of the year has been difficult.

However, I am through the storm but can’t help but feel the anxiety, fear and uncertainty in the world around us. The media coverage is a constant discussion about the Coronavirus and it is what we currently see and hear all day.

I won’t mention that word again in this blog due to hearing it all day long- it will be like “he who must not be named” in Harry Potter!

But seriously, hearing this constantly around us can impact on our mental health and emotional wellbeing, sometimes without us even realising. Having feelings of fear, concern, worry or anxiety is completely understandable. But it is so important to ensure we can understand these feelings and take control.

My thoughts go out to everyone who is struggling.

On a positive note, I have seen some wonderful communities coming together to support each other and show the true meaning of “In a world where you can be anything, be kind”. We all need to be there for each other and sprinkle a little positivity and kindness!

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I thought it would be useful to share some useful tips to add to your tool box!

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· Connect with People- whether this is, messaging, video calls, group chats, phone calls or even the old-fashioned letter!
· Have a routine

It’s easy to let routines slide when the usual day to day activities stop. It’s still important to have routine, get up, dressed and ready for the day. Talk to your family about new routines and don’t be afraid to change these up every few weeks!
· Keep active

Being active is good for our overall mental health and emotional well-being in general. Make sure you get fresh air when possible, go for walks if you can and keep moving. Being active as a family and making it fun is a great way of making sure you are moving and getting those well needed endorphins!
· Plan for working or studying at home

This is the usual everyday working arrangements for some people. However, for some people this is not a preference and with children being around this can soon get stressful. Make sure you have that routine that we spoke about and take regular breaks.
· Get the most up to date and accurate information and news

Discussing the present situation is constant, its on every tv channel, radio stations, social media and is all everyone is talking about. Make sure you switch off from this whenever possible and just tune in for the most up to date and accurate updates and guidance.
· Don’t forget self care

Make time to look after yourself, get a good night sleep, eat well and stay hydrated. Do things you enjoy such as reading a book, having a bubble bath, putting a face mask on or practicing mindfulness. We often focus on our physical health but your mental health and emotional wellbeing is just as important.
Feeling anxious?
Do not keep your thoughts to yourself- our own minds can be our worse enemy!

Talking to someone you trust is so important to help ease feelings of anxiety and helps us to break down our thoughts and worries.

The fear of the unknown and changes to everyday routines can cause many people to feel anxious, fearful and concerned. The ‘fight or flight’ response is our normal biological reaction to feeling threatened. Taking time to talk and think through what it is you feel anxious about can be helpful to then understand whether it is something in your control or not and this can be reassuring just knowing this.

Distraction can also be helpful when feeling this way, get up and get outside if you can, go for a walk or do a jigsaw puzzle, sudoku, read a book- whatever it is you enjoy to be able to distract yourself from those uneasy feelings, that will pass…I promise!

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Taking some control of how you are feeling and understanding what is causing them and breaking this down can be so helpful. Just remember, no storm lasts forever.

Everything will be ok…You will be ok.

Love,
ThinkLess*Live More

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