Any top tips for staying positive, productive & supporting yourself/others during lockdown?
If you can share ways you’ve been staying positive, productive and supporting yourself/others, that would be amazing! Here are my top tips:
At The Dots, setting up a ‘buddy system’ amongst the team has been brilliant for morale. Each week, everyone gets assigned a new buddy, who check in on each other and hang out virtually during the week over a virtual coffee or lunch.
Friday thank yous have also been amazing. Everyone on the team thanks someone for something they’ve done that week during our all team Friday afternoon meeting. We’ve done this for a while, but we now not only thank teammates, but also thank others doing good in the world – be it a family member who works at the NHS, a friend who took time to check in or a cause/petition/project we’d like others to support!
From a personal perspective, early morning walks along the canal have kept me sane! So to have Sunday roasts with my family over zoom and hugs from my hubby. God I miss hugs!
Please do share your tips below :-)
Let’s look out for each other!
Replies156
- Cutting my news consumption to once a week dramatically improved my mental wellbeing - recommend this for those who haven’t already. Daily C-news add no value, as there’s little progress made day-on-day.
- @Scott Cooley love this
- I find meditation has helped me a lot during this time along with morning walks and trying to keep weekends different. We don't work, watch films, cook elaborate meals, get the kids baking, diy...anything to mark that it's the end of the week :)
- Hi Pip, one thing that I tried to do is create an open source journal for anyone to go in and document some unbearable feelings, thoughts or cathartic artwork.https://docs.google.com/document/d/19GcZ8NdUEpvApnD0pnoohiX5H3PuieDZArRaQeO-M_0/editFrom the realness of the entries I realised that there's so much honesty being honed into this document right now so by any means if you want to use the journal to vent anonymously, read or just share it on then please do so!I'm hoping to find a way to publish the diaries as a book by the end of the year since there are some entries that are so honest it will be such a shame to keep them in the dark.
- Hey Pip - you're not alone in asking about staying positive. I found this article useful as it talks about resilience during these times and some tips. Thanks and stay strong. https://medium.com/@reggie.james/building-resilience-now-to-win-in-the-future-7d61734e3f5a
- Yoga Online @ www.bunkerjersey.com
- @Stephen Mather Might help to write it off. Put it in a journal or a diary. Forget about it.
- Life is pretty much routines (yes, all news/not news - just to remind you)I get up. I chant a Buddhist sutra - it focuses my mind, reminds of many improatnt things - mostly what is and isn't important in life: focu, how one treats people. Read anything you like, although for poetry is good as it activates abstract thinking.I do a 40 min set of my excercises. Breakfast.Do my brain training exercises.Why not set up a network to read something of a set lenght to each other on Skype or whatever?I then try to write (that is I will sit to wrtie but sometimes it's not apparently productive - there are those days too - but often looks better the following day than it did the day I wrote it.After, I relax. Have a light lunch. Perhaps take a napmaybe (usually) write some more.plan my evening mealPerhaps go to a spa (actually it's call sneto - a neighbourhood bathing facility - hot tub, sauna, cold soak, jacuzzi, body scri¥ub (Iusually do this once aweek.Shop for evening meal groceries.
- I have been focusing on trying to help the NHS rather than my own situation. Knowing what they are going through and sitting at home was quite difficult to take. Particularly, as I have a numberOf close friends who work in different areas of the NHS.I used a website of mine that was a long term side project and I’m using it to sell products that I created around what the NHS staff are going through. I didn’t expect I could do much but it felt could to be trying to help all the people in the NHS.Since I laid chef I’ve had a film director contact me and is making a short film with the poem I write called Angels on Earth. I’m selling products and have been contacted by a number of people in different countries to roll it out across Australia, New Zealand and in the USA. I even had someone contact me who knows Melinda Gates and will discuss it with her. It would be better for me to have a single global cause rather than multiple charities but I’m willing to do both. I have to say a personal highlight was Sir John Hegarty leaving a comment ‘beautiful’ on a post with the poem. I had a real fan boy moment in my living room as I’ve always admire him throughout my career.I could do with anyone in PR helping if they have some time to discuss the project and what’s happening and wants to help?But helping others who are facing such a terrible situation was how I dealt with this situation.Website: LOVINLONDON.ORGTake careAlan
- Be grateful, there are many facing real hardship.If your work has dropped off the cliff, as mine has, manage your real costs, and use this time think through what's next. Exercise. Keeping talking. Keep making.If you are busy. Make the time to investigate that a major cultural reset is in play and think through what’s next. Exercise. If you can create opportunity for conversations and collaborations.Mental health in various forms will rapidly overtake the impact of CV19 – look out for each other, be kind to others and yourself.Aa
- Insist on digitally meeting even if there isn't an agenda. Digital life tends to be driven on tasks, so if there isn't a specific output expected people try to cancel planned remote meetings. It may be hard to qualify the soft skill outputs of simply meeting up without specific goals. But there is the value of staying sane and being creative. I also found this interesting Myers Briggs specific guidelines on how each personality trait should connect through digital means.https://www.themyersbriggs.com/download/item/57DBC77C9EE84C65B6360DF567AFD25C
- Turn a child in need's story into a song for a good cause: https://singmeastory.org/songwriters/scott-cooley
- Channel the struggle by producing art. In my case, it's by writing songs. Allow yourself to be depressed, angry or sad, and don't be afraid to express it through creativity. It's human, it's normal, so forgive yourself for it. Go ahead and complain away - for example, complain about getting a little sick of the onslaught of all the cheerful, positive "we'll get through this together" messaging. It's all good, and it's healthy to let the negativity out. Try writing a great blues song, that's healing for me. It's cathartic to write, it's cathartic to listen to. It supports others because people can relate, and because misery loves company, they feel better.
- diversify whatever you are doing throughout the day; some ups and downs still but manageable; work, exercise, movies, internet, learning new things and new tricks, plenty to do, not so much time though in isolation :)
- Waking up feeilng really dark? 10 rituals to help keep your mental health and wellbing on track -why not try some out.These are some of our ideas...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpN2cxlJWjk&t=85s
- Hi all, I exercise and meditate daily and take time out to stop and just breathe deeply. I shut out as much ‘chatter’ as possible and only watch one news program each day. I also make sure that I purposely watch anything – from random YouTube videos to favourite films - that will give me a good old belly laugh!
- Beware of the danger of rumination! Some animals physically do this to digest their food over again. Sounds unpleasant but humans mentally ruminate which is even worse. We mull over what has happened over and over again - replaying it in our mind. This is not good for us but probably more likely when we are isolated. If you are worried about that last Zoom interaction or the comment someone made on social media that feels a bit off don't ruminate on it either forget about it (really forget about it) or do something about it.
- The world is on fire. Shit is going down and who knows where things will take us. So what you gonna do? You can either pee your pants and freak out or you can look at this moment as an opportunity. Sure, it might not feel like an opportunity. Work's probably dried right up and you're worried about how to pay your next bill, but make no mistake about it, your time is now. Why? Well, it's either going to get a whole lot worse, or it's going to get better. One things for certain - it won't be like this forever. So look in mirror. Ask yourself this. How are you going to be best placed to survive? How are you going to make the most of the situation when things change? You need to sieze the moment. It's right here, right now. Set yourself apart from the rest. Learn some new skills. Skills that will get you out of this. Tangible, valuable skills. Do the thing that you always wanted or the startup idea that you were always too comfortable in your 9 to 5 to get going with. Here's a clue, it probably won't be your new found sourdough baking ability. As a wise man once said: Just do it.Your time is now.
- Hello out there, my daily walk is a life saver for me. As well as getting exercise, I snap beautiful things I see along the way for Instagram later. I have found that given myself one or two tasks that I can tick off at the end of the day is helpful. And a bit of yoga and breathing is good, too. Practicing gratitude, living in the moment and being kind are all important to me. Most of all, be kind to yourself - I think so many of us have forgotten how.
- Trying to strike a fine balance between keeping busy, trying new things and not becoming restless in my quest to feel productive.Routine can be a lifeline in this istuation but give yourself the freedom to break from it now an again.Things that have made me happier:1) 30 minutes of Spanish on Duolingo first thing every morning2) One hour of running, exercises and stretches in the park at the top of my road every other day (hatha or restorative yoga session using Down Dog free trial on my off days)3) Walking EVERY day in sunshine4) Do You Breakfast Show on NTS Radio every morning. Unity!5) Cooking/baking a new dish each week6) Listening more intently to albums, sometimes on repeat. There is something in this one, for sure7) More phone calls8) Book time, whether in hand or on Audible. Currently reading Prince biography by Matt Thorne and listening to Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams.9) Donating through my local Mutual Aid group10) And the big one, drinking a LOT more wine. Researchers confirm…Hug to all.
- That is an excellent question. Since I had to move my business completely online and that stressed me completely. I teach yoga and meditation, so I am good at it but I have no clue about technology!Keeping your heart open and vulnerable is the key. Daily practice of anythig that relaxes is a plus! I wrote recently this article:"I have been a yoga teacher for more than 25 years and I am ready to start a new adventure. Being acutely aware of the lack of yoga classes available to the elderly, I have decided to dedicate my new business to this marginalised group, by offering specialised courses for anyone affected by 10 essential tips for your well-beingFor me, being in lockdown is nothing new. Except, I have chosen it myself and went into the 3-year retreat. That was 2006. And it lasted exactly 3 years, 3 months and 3 days. This lockdown for all of is us not going to extend to that period of time yet we need to strategise how to cope with many challenges we are going to face. The definition of the retreat is to go to a quiet safe place in order to avoid a difficult situation. So, our goal is to stay safe. We can do it! Here 10 fundamental tips for your physical and mental well-being: 1) Prioritise Freedom awaits, yet there are so many pitfalls down the road. Too much Netflix, too many beers, too little time in sunlight. Make a schedule. Know your weak points and protect yourself from yourself. If exercise is important to you, prepare a nice corner in your room or garden and treat it as delight and as an exquisitely pleasurable experience, that you can live off for the next 24 hours. Example, doing even 20 min of yoga, stretching or any gentle exercise will calm your mind while moving your body in a gentle manner. 2) Utilise Remember the time when you went shopping for the smallest gadget you never ever used? If you still have any piece of equipment, make the use of it now. The elastic stretch band, ping pong rackets, skipping rope, hola hoop,... Otherwise, take a big dictionary and use it as a yoga block to sit on it, to hold it above your head with stretched arms or place it on the top of your head and walk around the flat or garden to create a better posture. 3) Stabilise We need to stay as stable as possible whatever that means to each one of us individually. Grounding activities, like gardening, cooking, or creating something with your hands are a welcome tool for the stability game. If you know how to do standing poses in yoga, like Tadasana or Warrior 1 and 2, this is the right time to do it daily. Breathing methods which involve longer exhalations are very beneficial for reducing anxiety and depression. 4) Vitalise Personally, this is one of the most important tasks for us now. We have to find ways to stay positive, agile and hopeful. Whatever it means for you, do it, use a trampoline, if you have it, go for a jog or do some inversions, backbands and forward bends in yoga. The whole family can do a camel pose together or a bridge and then all sit on the floor and extending their arms and legs, touch feet to feet, hold hands and stretch the front of your torso upwards. 5) Clarify Living in the unknowing? Mental fog? Irritation? This mind of ours is like a computer and it needs to have a clear structure of what is downloaded and where. Be mindful what you allow into your brain. All of our behaviour is based on our thoughts and the thoughts are based on the stored information in our brain cells (very simplistic summary). Give permission only to constructive ideas and projects, do a proper spring cleaning of your consciousness. Meditate with your eyes open and do not be distracted by the noise in your head. Do not follow your thoughts, they are not yours. Think of them as passengers in a big Liverpool Street Station. Thoughts come and go. 6) Perceive Constantly comparing how it was before the pandemic? Worrying about the future after the pandemic? Memories can be a bondage. Live in the present moment, connect with others and do a self-inquiry of what matters to you the most. Comparing the times, the places and experiences will only aggravate your stress levels. Try to avoid jumping on a rollercoaster of hope and fear. Sit with your back against the wall or sofa and feel the ground under your feet and your sitting bones. Allow the gravity to pull the bones down, but lift the fontanelle up, extending the back of the neck and slightly dropping the chin. Breathe. 7) Deduct What can it teach us? After all, there must be something we learn out of this. Take time to acknowledge all of the good changes you noticed in society and the environment. Then focus on yourself and ask yourself about the benefits, opportunities and possibilities coming out form this global crisis. Use the power of that knowledge on work on your balance. Stay on one foot, lie in the Tree Pose or simply shift weight on one foot, while standing. Recognise how you still have the balance in your body and your mind even in unstable times we live in. 8) Strengthen Remember your deep connection to the whole humanity and draw your energy from that recognition. That virtue is already inside you and why not free it up by doing some really powerful exercises or go running if you can. Re-establish faith in your own qualities and potentials. 9)Mobilise Just like all the organs of your body which moves when you move, mobilise your friends and family, your colleagues and neighbours into action, to better someone's life, to improve the care for the neglected ones. Is there an area in your body that has been ignored and left alone for too long? Do your knees need to learn how not to overextend, how to protect the joints by lifting the knee cap, by making your quadriceps stronger and also more pliable? Do you have a lower back problem and finally learn how to stretch properly and how to sit on the front of the sitting bones? 10) Connect Just like intertwined society, your work buddies, your family, your body and your mind, it is all connected. There is only so much protection we can do, but connectedness is our inherent state. Explore the boundaries, within your comfort zone. Reach out to people you usually would do, there are so many virtual channels where you can gain insights about the common places. I just finished a digital campfire gathering. There were 6 different people from all over the world. And Gustavo from Lima, Peru, told me that he loves yoga and meditation, just like I do. Keep stretching, people!
- Good eveing all, I always say plan to avoid disappointment. What ever job you are going to do plan it out, make sure you have all the tools and items you need to complete the job. If you have all that’s needed then move forward.Most people don’t move forward because they are Disappointed with the result they received, when they moved with out planning.This is how I deal with my days, plan plan plan, then move.6ps Perfect, preparation, prevents, piss, poor, performance.
- I try to make sure I excercise every morning, alternating between cycling and walking, before my self imposed desk start at 0900 hrs, and take regular breaks throughout the day. When I can, I have a tea & tune at 3pm, with a musician friend, where we swap links to a particular piece of music of any genre, and discuss over a cuppa. Its a great break and is widening my musical horizons. I am using this life style change as an opportunity to improve my consultancy business profile (maritime & Africa), and have inlisted the help of friends to help me with PR / blogs / and articles to raise our profile. The most important ingredient - retaining a sense of humour ! Keep well everyone
- I know this is also about networking but I am a kind of a home-buddy. So things are allmost the same for me. But all the distractors are gone (go to sport, go to courses, go teaching photography) so I have also mor time at a stretch.My answer is: try a vipassana meditation. Justs sit and observe your breath, be aware of your body. If you know how you get into it easy just write me.
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