Hope | Community | Togetherness | Stress-reduction | Hygiene | Prevention | Love | Support |
At times like these when many people fear the spread of COVID-19 it is important to remember not only to be informed about precautions about spreading germs but also to remember to expand feelings of hope, love and empathy towards the wider community. To be there for another, not to take more than we need and to share our resources are things that we can do to support each other. There is enough messages coming from all different channels around the world telling us what we can do to prevent the virus from spreading, but what can we do to minimise the stress, prevent the panic and to share feelings of love, hope and empathy? There are many ways people can build connection. If you are isolated during this period there are several things you can do to connect deeper with the self and cultivate feelings of hope for the community: 1. Re-prioritise you’re values. This is a perfect time to think about what is truly important to you. Most of the time we are thinking about smashing achievements and goals but we rarely stope to ask ourselves about our values, what’s truly important to you? What matters to you deep in your heart? 2. Ask yourself, am I a consumer or creator of my life? Is there anything I am spending time or money on that I can reduce? 3. How can I live more sustainably? How can I continue to build communication and connection with others to share resources and supplies so that we all have enough? 4. Ask yourself what can I do for others? What kind of person do you want to be? What kind of feelings can you send out to the world? 5. Both positive and negative messages spread, feelings of anxiety is needed to take the steps to prepare for what’s to come. However moderating this with feelings of empathy, kindness, hope and love can help us to cultivate healthy hormones like Oxytocin to boost the immune system. Send messages of support to your friends and family, let them know you’re there for them. 6. Walk the middle path. Know the dangers, be the light. It’s difficult for people to hold two contrasting thoughts in mind at the same time, but remember to be informed and also limit your consumption of news can help to prevent feelings of panic. Try to be a consumer of positive messages and hope as well as the steps you need to keep yourself safe. If you’re in isolation: 1. Think about all the people you love and care about. Write them a letter. You don’t need to send it to them, just cultivate those feelings of love and connection. You'll be surprised to see how much closer you feel to them despite the distance. 2. Listen to music, create a new playlist. Try to re-discover some new artists, maybe you can start by researching what you’re favourite artists listen to? If you can play an instrument this is the perfect time to practice. 3. Everyone has some creativity in them, think about what you can make out of the resources that you have. You can discover 151 fun things to do when you're bored here 4. If you've been wanting to learn something new, this is a great time to do it. There are websites out there like Future Learn that provides free short-term online courses from a variety of different industries such as health, science, humanities, IT, Business and law. 5. Try to create some kind of routine into your day. It's important to relax, but also add some productivity to your day by engaging in some activities such as reading. If you're immune system can handle it, do some simple activities such as yoga. There are many Youtube tutorials that can take you through the steps. 6. Re-prioritise your values, think of the life you want to live post-quarantine, think about who and what is truly important to you and try to create your lifestyle around that.
Please take care of yourself during these tough times ahead.
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