Making Balanced Decisions during lockdowns!

The impact of Covid 19 on all aspects of our lives has been way beyond the numbers we see on television. I don’t know about you, but I have definitely eaten more than usual during the last year and done less exercise too? Breaking my wrist five weeks ago hasn’t helped me on the exercise front either!

It would be so easy to start this Spring just focusing on my body and needing to lose a few kilograms, but I am so acutely aware that I am not just a body…..I am also a feeling, thinking, spiritual being that is generally at peace and feeling good when nurturing and taking care of all of me (body included). If one part of my life is out of sync; so often it shows in other areas too (like even just putting on a few kilograms).

So I have decided to start April 2021 spring cleaning every part of me and all areas of my life.

And I encourage every one of you to perhaps look at doing the same thing? We may not control what is happening in the world, but we can take back some semblance of control in our day to day living.

Here are some of the main areas I am going to concentrate on this Spring:

Clutter - If I want to make room for new things, it means clearing out things that no longer have a purpose in my life (this applies to mental clutter too!!)

How much unwanted clutter do you have around you?

Are there people or institutions that may benefit more from things that gather dust in your drawers or cupboards, especially with the added difficulties of Covid lockdowns? Things like: old mobile phones, printers, computers you have replaced, how about clothing, dishes you never use, tools that have never seen a workbench? Perhaps someone else can put these things to good use? Paper, old magazines, bottles and jars can all be recycled too.

We all have memorabilia that we keep, but notice if looking at and keeping these things brings you joy or pain and stress? Sometimes we surround ourselves with things that bring us down rather than helping us feel good. Box, store, part with, or throw away (perhaps not appropriate for legal documents) wherever possible!

Physically - simply put, it all boils down to mathematics: if I eat and drink (consume) more calories than my body is burning, I will put on weight.

BUT If I want to be healthy and slimmer, I need to eat healthily. That means less alcohol and sugar, changing processed and white carbohydrates like bread and pasta for their wholewheat cousins. Eating more vegetables (like lots), especially the green ones! Cutting back on coffee and tea after lunch (your sleep will thank you) and drinking more water.

Look at online yoga or fitness classes; there are thousands to choose from.

Start each day with as many push-ups as you can do, and increase them as you get stronger. Even the longest journeys started with one step!

Even putting one spoon less of food on your plate each meal will make a difference.

Remember that small baby steps lead to big changes as the weeks go by!

Slow down and contemplate - Listening to my inner voice.

It takes practice to hear your true desires, especially when we spend so much time rushing around. Can you recognize what makes you happy? Spend a little time writing down when you have felt the happiest in the last month or even year. You will probably start to see a pattern emerging.

What gives you peace and joy will often come as a whisper or unanticipated event that reminds you of what's truly important to you. This is similar to what is meant by trusting your gut or listening to your intuition. There are also many meditation apps to help, and you do not need to pay to try many out.

Mentally - nurturing my body and mind with exercise, meditation and eating well.

Also, being conscious of what excites me or frustrates me.

Wherever possible, find ways to eliminate frustrations or stresses. For example, maybe leaving for work ten minutes earlier may decrease your time in heavy traffic. If you are working from home, set up a routine that helps you start your day. Try taking a fifteen-minute walk before work can help wake you up and clear your mind? Also, take breaks during the home office day and set a definite ‘computer off’ time.

If you are homeschooling, perhaps you can alternate days with someone close to you (depending on the rules in your country at present), or perhaps another member of the family can take turns watching the kids?

If you need tools, where perhaps, you are feeling lacking - look to a coach, mentor, courses or experts in the field you need assistance with. There are so many courses being offered online at present. Mental health is a major problem for many at the moment. Do not hesitate to reach out.

Aim at being the best you can with all the available resources (at this given moment). But remember, we live in crazy times, so be very gentle and forgiving with yourself too!

Learn to tune out the voices of the world. Make the strongest voice in your life your own.

I know kids can be even louder, but even a few minutes in fresh air (even at the park) can give a tired parent a mental break which can help rejuvenate our thinking.

I cannot say this too strongly; if any of you are feeling desperate, especially with Covid lockdowns – REACH OUT – you are not alone!! Many of us have battled over the last year, and reaching out to friends, family, a counsellor or therapist, and mental health organisations can be extremely helpful.

Emotionally – keeping my gratitude diary up to date helps me focus on the good in each day, especially as my day has become more limited with Covid.

Our emotions will always follow our thoughts. This isn’t about denying the bad but also seeing the good within your daily life.

What do you love about your day/ your pets/ your partner, family, friends, and yourself? Cherish those parts! And even more importantly, acknowledge them!!

Spiritually – I can feel connected to something bigger than myself anywhere I choose.

Take some time to be still. Take a walk on the beach, a park, a green or mountain. Stop and listen to the birds singing. Find other ways where you feel connected.

Decide what kind of person you want to be. Rather than concentrating on what you want to do, think in terms of what kind of person you want to be. Let that guide your choices.

Work – Growing within or finding a profession I love!

It takes courage to spend the time to discover what you truly love, but doing that could make all the difference in your life. Your favourite hobby could become your next career with a little lateral thinking and so much more possible with how the world is changing with Covid!! Sometimes it only takes sitting down with a business coach or trusted friend to open possibilities you never dared to dream of.

Baby steps - Destiny can't help me until I am willing to step out of my comfort zone.

Get prepared to make changes in your life...and start making them! Live without regret. BUT remember, our lives are a little crazy at the moment!!! Try seeing each moment as a learning experience – even the tough times. That does not mean ignoring pain or other negative emotions, but learning from them and appreciating the lessons they are teaching you.

And be patient with yourself. Keep your commitment to become the best you can now and take small steps to make it happen. Change does not happen overnight, but each step in the right direction is a step to be acknowledged and appreciated.

Warm regards

Lesley Wood Consani

One day at a time - this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone: and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering. Ida Scott Taylor 1820-1915, Author