Learning to thrive in uncertain times

Learning to Thrive in Uncertain Times

We find ourselves in very uncertain times. We are being called upon to reach deep into our own individual resources. Anxiety is prevalent everywhere and we need to nurture ourselves in what is a threatening environment for everyone.

First of all, I would like to remind you that anxiety arises from fear. Fear is a natural response to a threat. It is a survival mechanism. The natural response to fear is fight or flight. In our present situation of lockdown and an unseen threat, anxiety is justified! Given these circumstances, it is a good idea not to fight or resist the anxiety you may be feeling. It is far healthier to acknowledge the anxiety and respect it, rather than resist it. Accept it as natural and justified and you will learn to manage it positively.

Managing anxiety 

Where do you feel it in your body?

Take a deep breath and focus on where in your body do you feel the anxiety?

Exhale slowly and feel the tension ease as you do so. Continue to repeat this process until the tension evaporates. It helps to repeat the phrase, “I am calm” 

Practise, more practise and more practise. In this way you will become balanced and less anxious. 

Practicalities

In practical terms, it is a time of going back to basics on every level. We are all having to step back and take stock as we negotiate this unknown territory. With this in mind, I have a few points to offer for consideration and also, some strategies that may help to you to manage this time of uncertainty.

1)  It is important to know what is happening in terms of the corona virus. It is also important to ensure you follow information from a trusted source and not get caught up in the drama of stories and opinions on social media, all of which feeds the fear and is debilitating. 

2)  The top priority is to look after yourself. By looking after yourself, you will stay well and you will help others to stay well by not spreading the virus.

So how can we put this into practise? Below are some of the strategies that have worked for me in the past and I will be using again during this current phase.

Back to basics for me, means:

1)  Home cooking. 

Being creative with the food we have. I was not called the “Lentil Queen” for nothing. (Did you know, you can use dried red lentils in any dish that would usually use minced beef? Spaghetti Bolognese, in a pie, Shepherds’ pie.) you can add to stews and other meat dishes for extra nutrients. Check the packet, as I have learned that some packs may contain nuts. 

With “food shortages”, we will become less wasteful. We will think more about what we eat in case we run out. As a result of a change in eating habits we are likely to become healthier generally. I think of my parents’ diet of fresh food, little sugary food. Never any snacks between meals.  Their motto was, “everything in moderation”, the belief being in quality rather than quantity.

2) We need to nourish ourselves and our senses

It is a common belief that we have become totally out of touch with the natural world and that this is contributing to the number of mental health issues that exist currently. Anxiety and depression being the most prevalent and still figures are growing. They will continue to grow during and following the pandemic.

Where can we find this nourishment?

Outdoors 

Many people are now growing their own vegetables. This began originally as a response to food shortages. What they will begin to realise however, is that the act of working with the soil and watching plants grow from seed into food is a very grounding activity. You can even grow vegetables in a window box or a flower pot if you don’t have a garden.

Walking barefoot on the grass or on the beach ( if you are luckier enough to live within walking distance) is also a very healing activity. To connect with nature in whatever way you choose is relaxing and nourishing and helps create balance as we become more in tune with our environment.

Indoors: painting, drawing and other creative activities such as knitting, writing, sewing, yoga, whatever you are drawn to.

If you choose something you really want to do, you will be listening to what your intuition wants you to do to keep you healthy and balanced.

Youtubeis a useful resource for any hobby or activity, including indoor exercise if especially whilst we are in lockdown.

What have you never had the time to do until now?

Write that book. Paint that picture. Make that dress. Build that barbeque, learn a new skill or a new language.

3) Create a Timetable

This doesn’t need to be rigid. If you are used to a routine such as going out to work it’s a good idea to create a timetable for the whole family or for yourself. Having a timetable provides a routine and gives you a visual representation of how you are spending your time. It’s a good idea to break up activities, for example, work in the morning, exercise or a creative activity in the afternoon.

This provides a focus for everyone in the family, or if you are alone, less chance to become bored. Adaptability is important as news is changing and will impact in different ways. Getting the balance between having structure and taking time out is a necessary skill right now, but don’t be self- critical if you don’t manage it some days. Patience with yourself and others is what will get you through this.

4) Going for a (virtual) walk

We need Vitamin D to stay healthy! The sunlight provides vitamin D, so get out there as often as possible. Nature is nourishing and Spring is here. If you can’t get out into the park or the countryside and you don’t have a garden, try doing some gentle exercise on your patio or balcony.  For those with children, try making up an imaginary nature trail or a quiz.  Use the internet to research places you have visited before or would like to visit in the future to gather information and design your own quiz. The same goes with the beach, what creatures live in the sea and in the sand?  How many have you seen when sunbathing or making sandcastles? Make learning fun with the younger children and you might learn something too.

5)  Try some mindfulness 

Add a little mindfulness to your timetable.

We live in a culture of “doing”. If we are not busy, we are not good enough. We must be here, there and everywhere to satisfy the desire to be perfect.

If you are new to mindfulness, it is simple.  All you have to do is really focus on being in the moment whatever you are doing. This can be preparing vegetables for dinner, washing up, or allowing yourself to just “be”

Begin by taking in a deep breath, as deep as you feel comfortable to do. Hold for a second and then breathe out slowly and gently. Say to yourself, “I am safe, I am healthy” as you breathe out.

Finally, kindness begins with you!

Be kind to yourself and don’t ask too much of yourself.  Find your own “place for respite.” This might be an actual place or it might be by using creative visualisation. 

I recently saw a picture of a couple who were due to go on a cruise and as it had been cancelled, they set up a scenario in their living room, watching holiday programmes and sipping cocktails. They also wore sunhats.

Finally, finally, remember to be kind to everyone. Nobody knows what is going on in the lives of others. They might be in working in the NHS or supermarket, or any of the service providers that keep us running even in such a difficult climate. They might be looking after elderly parents or they might be in the vulnerable category themselves. They may have recently lost someone.

Please be kind to people you haven’t met by staying home.

Thank you for reading this and please stay fit and well.

Peace and Love