A Wellness Checklist
It has been a challenging and uncertain time. But it is within the moments of darkness that we can find the greatest opportunities for growth and light.
Never before have we been given such a clear directive by society, nature and the world to hunker down, slow down, and focus on our wellness and that of our loved ones.
It has been a poignant - and uncomfortable at times - moment to look very deeply at ourselves, and perhaps re-assess.
How happy have we been with our lives?
What has been working for us; what hasn’t?
What have we been neglecting; what needs our care and attention?
What might these new understandings be giving us the permission change?
As we tentatively step towards our collective ‘new normal’, we are being asked not to allow the experiences and events of the last few months to have been in vain. if, on the other side we can say we have come to know ourselves better, have come to care for ourselves more, have asked the difficult questions and have a renewed appreciation for the lives we have been gifted, we have contributed to the weaving of an underlying silver-lining.
I wrote the below tips just as the world was going into lockdown as a guide to managing mindful, emotional and spiritual wellness in the strange new circumstances we were living through, together. They are still relevant now, and though they don’t directly heal the world of its many plights, by offering yourself the time, care and attention to be well, you can subsequently make good and positive decisions, freely gift others your loving kindness from a full inner well, and still experience a sense of peace and centredness amongst this time of great change.
And that is healing within itself.
I hope you find these useful.
One or more practiced daily can make all the difference in no time at all.
Live gently, be well.
The Checklist:
Tune in with how you are feeling, daily.
Be consciously aware of the nature of your thoughts, they will dictate your mood and behaviour. Attend lovingly to negative, spiralling or catastrophic thinking.
Remember to take a moment to deeply breathe, especially at times of overwhelm, frustration, fear or anger.
Be generous with kindness and compassion; be open to receiving it back.
Use your body every day. Walking, stretching, yoga, online classes, cycling; whatever works for you, just move.
Ground. To stay centred and solid, feel your feet on the earth and consciously connect to the things that surround you.
Be present with whomever and however you are spending your time.
Eat well (your immune system is your best friend)
Sleep well (a/a)
Hydrate lots (also a/a)
Nature is calling to you. Connect to it using all your senses, wherever and however you can.
Find appreciation for the small things, daily. I promise there will always be something to be grateful for.
Connect in frequently with those you love.. and those who may be feeling alone. There has never been a more important time to let your relationships flourish.
Meditate.
Journal.
Stroke an animal.
Try not to consume sensationalist news or social media.
Create a sense of predictability in your corner of the world by putting a structure or routine to your day. This will help you to feel like you have some control, and provide opportunities for small wins and big achievements.
Review and evolve. What’s working in your living environment, and what isn’t? This is an ongoing transitional process; be fluid, flexible and open to doing things differently. Whoever you’re in this with, you’re in it together. Work as a team.
Find activities that bring your inner child joy: carefree art, planting some things, building a den :)
Listen to upbeat and empowering, or gentle and soothing music.
Choose entertainment that evokes good feelings (social media, movies, TV, books)
Look at the stars.
Put your face in the sun.. even if it’s a sunbeam through the window.
Reach out whenever you need; there will always be someone ready to catch you.
Keep your eye on the prize; know that this is temporary. Visualise how it will be when this time comes to an end, and what your life will look like when it does. Know that there is the potential for some beautiful and change-making outcomes.
Don’t forget that while you may be isolated, you are not alone.