Taking back your Power during a Pandemic is possible.
At a time when most of us are facing limitations on our normal lives, it’s very easy to feel powerless. However we still have the capacity to take back some control. I’m not talking about ignoring health advice or jumping on board with conspiracy theories, but instead I’m suggesting that we still have options. Options in how we choose to navigate the restrictions placed on us and how much impact they have on our lives.
Those of us in Melbourne are still in strict lockdown and this can be exhausting and depressing. It can be hard to see the positives in our lives when so much is far from normal. We can stay with these feelings of powerlessness or we can make the most of the opportunities available to us and take back our power.
Here are a few suggestions.
Put some structure into your week. For those who aren’t working or are working reduced hours from home, one day soon drifts into another. Why not put things in place that happen on certain days and so give some structure and meaning to your week. Perhaps do an exercise or dance class online every Wednesday, something creative on Mondays, shopping on Thursdays and rest on weekends. Make it a regular thing that happens on a certain day each week.
Exercise regularly. There is so much available online and a lot of it is free. Maybe you have always wanted to do Yoga or Tai Chi or a dance class. Now is the time. YouTube has some great ones. Get out in nature and enjoy these beautiful sunny days. I’m loving the blossoms and smells of Spring.
Get into the garden and plant some veggies, even in a pot. The winter ones are finishing but summer ones will be available soon. Growing your own food is so rewarding and helps you to stay focused and in the present. No room for fear or worry in the outdoors.
Have you always wanted to meditate but never found the time? Try Insight Timer. It’s a free app and has lots of different mediations from 5 minutes to an hour or more. Give yourself the benefits of this wonderful stress relieving practice. It has become such a part of my morning ritual that I feel unbalanced if I don’t do it.
Want to be creative? Start drawing or painting or just get your phone out and take some photos. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just have fun. I have been re-engaging with my camera and taking photos outside. I even tried out my son’s watercolour paints and had a ball. Creativity develops your whole brain as it requires you to ‘think outside the box’ and engage in some lateral thinking. No room for perfectionism or judgement here. Just play. You will find it so rewarding.
Work your Reflexology nerve points. These will help to balance your body and any underlying issues. There are some free charts under the Products page on my website.
Do something completely different and out of your normal routine. I was gifted an online cooking class recently and had so much fun preparing the (supplied) food. My son and I did it together on Instagram. We had so many laughs trying to keep up with the chef and reading everyone else’s hilarious comments. Look up Providoor.com.au. If you don’t want to cook, have a meal delivered instead.
Talk to your friends and family, often! It’s very easy to become isolated and lonely. Reach out to others and if you need to, ask for help. Don’t be ashamed if you aren’t coping. We all go through ups and downs during this crisis. I recently lost a much loved family pet, then we had some huge storms and no power for 27 hours. On top of that we had to start boiling our drinking water and that was the final straw. A beautiful friend sent me a gift and totally restored my optimism and resilience. Don’t be hard on yourself if things are difficult. We are going through unprecedented times and none of us know how to navigate our way through.
Talk to others and write down how you are feeling. Journalling helps take the anxiety and worry out and puts it on the page instead. Don’t watch the news and laugh, often. Even if its just a silly meme or Gif or a funny movie. They all help to lift your mood. Think of things that you have always wanted to do, be it drawing, dancing, singing, playing an instrument and just do it!
Taking back your power during a pandemic IS possible. You just have to remember that the power is within You.
Warmest wishes,
Judy xxx
References: Photo by Fuu J. on Unsplash