Have you noticed that there’s a spectrum?
When you’re riding high on the coronacoaster, you might think, ‘This is OK! I’m energised, empowered and even smug. Look at this sourdough / banana bread! My home has never been cleaner! I’ve seen more of my loved ones, albeit for online drinks, than I had in ages! I’m exercising! I’m batch cooking! I’m more patient with the kids! I’ve dusted off that [insert name of creative project]! [insert loved one’s name] and I have never felt closer, it’s all good!’
And then, just as you risk losing friends over your endlessly upbeat social media posts, you run out of steam?
Even getting dressed or going for a walk for your daily government allotted exercise feels like climbing a mountain?
It’s not just you
And it’s not JUST the global pandemic we’re in.
2020 is bringing up all sorts of painful wounds for essential healing.
The more we can rest, sleep, process and recover from the daily onslaught, the better.
We can actively do things that give our nervous system a break, building resilience
Here are some journal prompts to help you find clarity, ease, softness and (hopefully) even some joy:
How can you take better care of yourself mentally?
What springs to mind first?
What about if you imagine something you can do for yourself when you’re on top of the world, energised, empowered, motivated and determined to not just survive but thrive?
What about for when you imagine yourself simply wanting to crawl under the duvet and weep for yourself and humanity?
List everything that springs to mind.
Now repeat for your body. How can you take better care of yourself physically?
What springs to mind first?
What about if you imagine something you can do for yourself when you’re on top of the world, energised, empowered, motivated and determined to not just survive but thrive?
What about for when you imagine yourself simply wanting to crawl under the duvet and weep for yourself and humanity?
List everything that springs to mind.
Now EMOTIONALLY. How can you take better care of your heart? Bring more tenderness and compassion into your day?
What springs to mind first?
What about if you imagine something you can do for yourself when you’re on top of the world, energised, empowered, motivated and determined to not just survive but thrive?
What about for when you imagine yourself simply wanting to crawl under the duvet and weep for yourself and humanity?
List everything that springs to mind.
And finally, how can you take better care of your SPIRIT?
Your Higher Self / Atma / Self / True Self / Miraculous Self or whatever you call that part of yourself that knows, even when things feel incredibly challenging, that all is and will continue to be well?
What springs to mind first?
What about if you imagine something you can do for yourself when you’re on top of the world, energised, empowered, motivated and determined to not just survive but thrive?
What about for when you imagine yourself simply wanting to crawl under the duvet and weep for yourself and humanity?
List everything that springs to mind.
You’ve probably identified many many simple self care practices you can use to help yourself feel better in mind, body, heart and soul.
It’s possible that your self care extravaganza list might even be making you feel a little overwhelmed?
Even on your most energised and empowered days, you’re unlikely to have TIME for all of these ideas.
Pick ONE
What stands out as something simple, enjoyable and beneficial?
Something that will not only feel good in the moment but which will bring longer lasting results?
Step by step, we create lasting habits by building new neural pathways. I’ve just brought my mini trampoline into the kitchen where it’s taking up ALL the floor space but has already made me smile and laugh as I move while waiting for the kettle or microwave. Such a quick mood boost and yet (even though I’ve written about the benefits of mini trampolines in the past) it had been languising in the dining room, missing guests, for ages.
What one thing will YOU do to boost your mood and get yourself into a virtuous cycle?
Would you like more of my support?
As well as the free resources throughout the site (including many focused around self care for the emotional rollercoaster Covid_19 has brought), you might enjoy browsing my new online shop
With love,
