In these extremely anxious times, it is easy to let our worries and fears get the better of us causing a spiral of negative feelings and emotions. Concerns about money, work, our loved ones and the future can feel overwhelming. Add to this the disappointment of future plans all being cancelled with the uncertainty of if/when they can be rescheduled and life can seem pretty tough right now.
Work together with a partner when dealing with your children
By presenting a united front, your children will respond better if you and your partner work together on parenting and setting boundaries. Decide together what is acceptable, how to balance things like screen time, household chores, doing some exercise and routines. Be consistent but kind. Perhaps now is not the time to pick battles on smaller things like tidy bedrooms and not flushing toilets....although humour always works here!
When you feel conflict arising, take a deep breath and count to ten. By stepping back, sometimes we can re-gain perspective and not let things blow up into a fight.
Exercise
Exercise is always a guaranteed way to feel better. Getting outside and moving will boost your mood and oxygenate your body and mind. Pilates is also a wonderful way to exercise as it focusses on breathing and mind/body harmony. I offer online classes and 1-2-1 sessions designed to make you feel stretched and energised from the comfort of your own home.
Everything in moderation.
Sounds obvious but try to eat and drink healthily. Make sure you get some colour into your diet...not the Skittles or Fanta variety either! Plenty of fruit and vegetables will help give you energy and feed your immune system which needs to be in good shape more than ever right now. Processed and low nutritional value foods will make you feel sluggish and tend to have an addictive effect of wanting more of the same. I can advise you on nutrition and design healthy eating programmes for you and your family.
Limit social media and news updates
Ration just how much you check social media or news channels as sometimes this can have a negative effect on your mood. Always source from reliable news channels such as GOV.UK or NHS.UK to avoid reading alarmist or incorrect stories and statistics. Also mix up what you watch on TV and other devices choosing different categories of entertainment. One thing we are not short of is choice with Netflix, BBCiplayer, Sky all showing some great series and movies.
Stay connected
Keep in touch with family and friends on a regular basis. Just having a phone conversation can lift your spirits and help with feelings of isolation. Schedule regular online meet ups via Zoom, FaceTime, Whatapp or Houseparty where you can screen share and actually see your friends face to face if not in person.
Useful links
https://www.relate.org.uk/relationship-help/covid-19-advice-and-information - tools for life under lockdown.
www.headspace.com - meditation app.
www.mind.org.uk - mental health support for adults and children.
list.co.uk - wonderful resource for great reads, decluttering your home, mindfulness techniques and meditation.
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