It’s been turbulent weeks, and it will be for sometime before things return to normal.
I wanted to reach out to you and update you a little on what this ongoing situation means to me, and for you as a Mindset Enthusiast.
Following the alarming recent news, I had to fly back from Bali to Germany to reunite with Family. That said, this doesn’t change anything to my availability. I am fully operational, as I have always been offering my services remotely. I have made myself available in a wide range of timezones, and you can reach out to me during your day time.
So while we are all going crazy about buying food supplies, it is also important to fill our mind before filling our belly. The one and most important thing that you should be focusing on is your mental health.
Our emotional state is the one that is the most affected: Stressed, overwhelmed, sad, undecided, confused, anxious, worried, alerted, unhappy, and uncertain. It’s all normal to experience all these feelings, that’s what makes us human, but one must find a way to navigate through the storm until it passes. After all, it is all a matter of perspective and Mindset.
STAY CALM, ADJUST, SMILE
Being stuck at home isn’t that bad if you find a rhythm. I am sure that with a bit of distance, and with the agitation fading out, you can start seeing some positive outcomes from this situation. I am sure we can all see at least three positive things from having to stay in, not having too many social interactions, and not having to commute.
Trying to stay sane while being locked in can be challenging, especially if you are not used to working from home and being alone. I personally find that fun, as long as I can breathe fresh air a few hours a day. There is so much more you can do now by having fewer decisions to make and less commute to do.
So why don’t you consider this as an opportunity to learn something new? Begin a home-based workout routine, start meditating, practice breathwork, and check-in with old friends digitally? How about getting some work done on projects that you have always had in mind? Finish that book you have been procrastinating about, or learn a new skill?
After all, some of the main principles of having a growth mindset are seeing opportunities where challenges arise, persist in the face of obstacles, and see efforts as paths to mastery. Could this be an opportunity to master something?
Whatever you choose to do, taking advantage of the situation shouldn’t be that hard. That said, the basics should be clear to all of us:
1. Move Well:
Start a little fitness routine. From a regular stretch to a whole full bodyweight workout, keep moving. Mens Sana in Corpore Sano.
2. Think Well:
Be active intellectually. Work, read, sign-up to a course. Do something!
3. Eat Well
Use this as an opportunity to clean up your diet. Eating healthy has a direct influence on your mood.
4. Connect Well
Take care of each other. We are social beings. We don’t do well in isolation. Remember to check in with each other. Virtual doesn’t have to mean impersonal.
I’d also add some sort of mindfulness practice. You could start meditating, doing breathwork, or simply taking a few moments to do something very mindfully.
The storm will eventually pass, and you will have to be in shape for what comes next. If you already have good habits, try strengthening or improving them.
FINDING YOUR RHYTHM
Having daily habits can keep you sane
Mum’s know the importance of having a regular rhythm. From one day to another, they turn to full-time mums, and they have to organize their life around their newborns.
Ironically, your situation might not be so different. If you have to work from home – or not work at all if you are a school teacher for example, you will still have to find a rhythm. Rhythm gives you order and predictability. People around you will know what to expect, and you won’t have to think hard about what to do each day. Order gives you balance.
Sample example: (My personal routine)
. 5.30 am Wake-up time
. 5.30 – 6.30: The 3 Ms of my Morning routine
- Mindset (listening or reading)
- Mindfulness (Meditation + breathwork)
- Movement (stretch and/or exercising)
. 6.30 Shower (cold – click for the benefits of cold showers)
. 7.00 Tea
. 7.30 – 11.30: Work mode / Personal activity
- If you are working, then dress up as if you were going to the office. That will help you with productivity and being in the work-mode.
- Get tidy. Make your workspace clean and nice.
- Turn off distractions, whether you are gardening or working.
. 11.30 – 1.00 pm: Lunch
- I do intermittent fasting, so this is my lunch break. I usually eat something light, carb-free, veggie, and protein-based, so I don’t get too heavy and sleepy. I don’t do coffee after lunch.
. 1.00 – 4.00 pm: Work mode #2
- I dedicate the second part of my workday to less immediate work- like answering emails or conducting a coaching session, rather longer-term projects, marketing strategy, etc. You can choose to have the same template or do something else, but set up a block of time for something not random. Something habitual.
. 4.00 – 6.00 pm: Get some air
- Get out if you can, check on friends, read, rest. No Netflix yet!
. 6.00: Casual
- Have dinner, watch something, talk to someone, play, gratitude journaling. Be free, but sleep early ?
. 9.30 pm Bedtime for me! Bye-bye.
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?
Take advantage of the situation to reflect and to:
- Gain clarity about your vision, mission, and purpose in life.
- Remove your limitations, limiting beliefs, and unresourceful patterns.
- Develop a success-oriented mindset.
- Improve my mental strength.
You are encouraged to reach out for support
If you are an athlete and you can’t train for your game, think of assessing your Athlete’s Mindset. Identify what you can improve, and start planning for the comeback.
And if you are unsure about what to do, request a free consultation.
That’s it!
Stay Calm, Adjust, Smile, and be safe.
Dris