Staying the course, critical to saving lives
Who would have thought that something as simple as ‘staying at home’ would save lives. It’s really such a small ask when you think of front-line workers risking their lives every day to save lives and the very sick people struggling to stay alive. We are in survival mode, we can’t think too far out beyond the ‘here and now’. Events are changing by the minute and it’s hard as we face into the uncertainty of the coming weeks.
Our lives are more restrictive and with that we are slowing down. The slowing down has helped to shine a stronger light on what really matters. As a nation we have become more considerate and caring for others, we have dug deep and become braver, we are paying attention to the more vulnerable and elderly and we have changed our worlds over-night adapting and learning to live and work in very different ways. Our new-found ways of living and working will stay with us way beyond Covid-19.
‘Cocooning’ and self-isolation can become a challenge with the sameness of the days. Self care could never be more important as we adapt to a very different way of living that none of us could have predicted. We all intuitively know what’s good for us but when under pressure in a crisis, we so easily forget. A few simple ways to pay attention to our own needs:
Staying connected: Being connected to loved ones could never be more important than now. Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Slack are all different ways to make sure emotionally we are staying connected. I love that care-workers in our local nursing homes are helping the elderly stay connected with their families in this way.
Taking notice: Being more aware of the activities we really enjoy and spend more time doing them. Make good choices on how we spend our time. Provide focus for the day. My 82 year old father (currently cocooning) is writing a ‘to do’ list every day to provide meaning / purpose for the day. We can take advantage of the better weather and get out outside. Getting anything from 5-15 minutes sunshine is associated with boosting mood and helping to stay calm and focused. Now more than ever, we need to tune in when our brains are overloaded and its time for some quiet time. There are some great mindfulness apps like calm and headspace.
Embracing learning: What better time to keep our brains active. Juggling work, home life, embracing home schooling is in itself learning. And if there is time for anything else, start or join a virtual bookclub, listen to a podcast, https://www.samuelthomasdavies.com/best-podcasts/most-downloaded/ , download or order a book. https://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/20.
Giving: Giving to others in our local community or more broadly helping front line workers, HSE, other charities help to lift our spirits and much more importantly this is when we as humans are at our best. Elderly people are particularly vulnerable at the moment. Doing simple errands or cooking the odd meal goes a long way to help the more vulnerable. There is a community call number (0818 222 024 in Ireland) if you know someone who needs help or if you want to offer help.
We are in the middle of a scary storm. We cannot predict too far ahead. However, we can make good choices for ourselves and loved ones each day. Looking after our wellbeing and paying attention to our needs will go a long way to stay the course. Be strong, we will ride the storm. There is a better future ahead.
And if you have other ideas, suggestions that have worked for you to help us all through this tricky time please share.