I don't know about you but I was finding all the media, all the news, all the noise all the time around COVID-19 getting to be a bit much. So, starting last week I decided on one news source that was broadcast at one time per day that I could check in on to keep abreast with what was happening and what was expected of me as a small business owner, mother, citizen, fill in the blank, without inducing anxiety and panic. I have spent other moments in my days (but not every day) getting informed but that was through research from sources I trust and was about the virus itself rather than the death toll and other news related elements around it. I have found this really helps me to stay focused on my life in front of me rather than the virus. It is so much better for my mental health.
Another thing I am doing to cultivate the positive and help support a healthy mindset is to start a gratitude journal. I have delved into the world of journalling at other points in my life but have never been a regular, daily journal writer, until now. At the end of every day I have starting recording at least one good thing that has happened not in spite of the pandemic but because of it. For instance, my children harmoniously writing music together on an online music writing platform. The fact that I spent the entire afternoon on a Tuesday with my daughter in the woods helping her with a home learning project. And that my husband is here having breakfast, lunch and dinner with us at the dining room table every day. You get the idea. There are gifts in this situation and it is okay to celebrate them, embrace them and have gratitude for them even while others are suffering. It does not mean you are selfish if you enjoy this time or find good in it. In fact, the one great thing that we can all do to help others is to stay home, stay away from other people and help slow the infection rate. It is okay to enjoy yourself while you are doing great things for others. It is okay to feel grateful for the little things in a time of uncertainty and upheaval.
I hope you are finding the positive in your situation. Some things we can all be grateful for here in England are that the rain has finally stopped, the glorious sun is shining and spring is well and truly here. I spotted my first bluebell while walking in the woods today -- I think I will add that to my gratitude journal tonight.
To wellness.
April
