Together we can DO this- and do it well!

We CAN make it through- together!

Do you need some help to survive and possibly thrive in the next few lockdown weeks?  Has the coronavirus got you stuck? Stressed? Overwhelmed? Zoomed out?  We can do this together and here are some things that can help:

Realistic expectations, Self-care, Self-regulation and self-motivation are key for survival.

Be real: Keep you expectations real and this may not be the time to do all those things you ever wanted to do and haven’t had the time, like starting a whole new job, or repainting your place, or cleaning out every single closet- and no matter what, do things one at a time and celebrate your accomplishments.  

Maybe you are struggling because you have been running on adrenaline for the last four-plus weeks.  This hormone is a response and the kind of activity (running around and doing too much) is a biological response totrauma, and your body cannot keep it up (think: burnout).  So, be careful!  It may be that you are already in that can’t handle it/weepy/stressed area (burnout edge).  Then self-care is key.  Self-regulation and self- motivation are also part of the whole package.

How do you realistically keep yourself motivated?  Have you set up a (realistic) schedule and to-do list? Keep your expectations in line with your body mind and soul right now. 

Personally, I have cut back because I know I am grieving a lot (lots of cancellations and disappointments).  I set times for good/healthy work, and I set times to just relax or read a book or go outside (we can still do that here).  I make a list for the week using the Eisenhower matrix and I try to get things done on time (or even early so my stress level is a low as possible).

Self-care is right up there on my list of things to do.  I have activities that make me happy and I try to do them regularly.  What activities give you joy?  Try spending more time on them and try focusing on the here and now- and spend less time worrying about what you cannot control.  A big part of this is remembering what I am grateful for, thinking about what is good about the past- and the present, and looking forward to some things (even if they are far off or with no dates).

Self-regulation is all about consciously watching your mood and working on making it better.  You know, if you get enough sleep, exercise and eat right you are about 75% of the way there and none of this even is hard.  All of that makes you much happier- then after that, monitor your media input. (Being grateful and savoring the moment also help).

One other (really nice) way to be happy is to spend money on and help others.  When I spoke this weekend with a friend, her boss (of an SME) is very worried about sales and turnover at this time, as they don’t have a big cushion.  So, what can we do:

·      Keep up your subscriptions and such, for example, keep your cleaning firm-and go to the hairdresser if it is allowed

·      Shop local, even if it is online

·      Shop from small businesses and avoid amazon (and bookdepository.com), etc.

·      Join my friend’s crowdfunding for sustainable and fair men’s underwear: wemakeit.com/projects/moya-kala-maennerunterwaesche 

FINNALY:

If you need to talk, I am available for Skype and phone calls (WhatsApp).

Remember, staying home is for the greater good and you may not be showing any symptoms but still be carrying the virus so wash your hands and if you are coughing, follow the local medical suggestions.  Rest and work at home if at all possible, and if not, stay two meters apart.

Wishing you a healthy week in body mind and spirit,

Patricia Jehle   patricia@jehle-coaching.com