Day 6 of the Coronavirus lock down and my house has never been this tidy, and I think the cat is sick of the sight of me.
I know some people will be living on top of each other and feeling a little claustrophobic right now. But there are also many, like me, who are facing weeks and months of isolation.
The prospect of an extended period of time segregated from our social support network, our friends, family, and work colleagues could send shivers down our spines, but in reality what is being asked of is no more than a minor inconvenience.
The way I see it, we have 2 choices.
We can survive this ordeal, or we can thrive and turn this into a positive experience.
I am fortunate enough to be able to work from home and as such have been able to stay connected with my colleagues through the “wizardry” of modern technology.
The enforced routine has given me a good foundation to structure my days.
I get up at my usual time, get dressed to go to work, do my hours and at the end of the day I close the door to my office and get some exercise as I would on any normal day.
But what if the structure of your day has been turned upside down?
This is a perfect time to get focused.
Put into practice those little things you always wished you had time for.
What can you do?
Daily Ritual
Having a morning routine is the perfect way to start your day off right.
Get up, shower, exercise, meditate, read, be grateful or anything else that puts you in a good frame of mind, in whatever order you see fit.
If you’re not sure what puts you in a good frame of mind, has there ever been a better opportunity to put time into discovering what does?
Meditate
Without awareness of our emotional state it’s easy to become anxious and fearful of our current situation.
Whereas focusing our attention in the present will often reveal that there is nothing to be worried about right at this moment.
Mindfulness meditation allows us to make cogent decisions based on our values and beliefs rather than be swept along in the tide of our own emotions.
There are links to mindfulness resources in this article.
Stay in Touch
A situation like this can really make you realise how bad you’ve been at keeping in touch with people.
We can’t physically be with our loved ones but technology allows us to stay connected like never before in our history.
If this had happened even 20 years ago we wouldn’t be so lucky to have this ability – be grateful for that.
Also, check in on others who are living alone and you think would benefit from a message. It can get lonely out there!
Practice Gratitude
I’ve been personally moved to tears by the public display of thanks for our NHS workers. This collective show of gratitude shows the power it can have at uplifting the spirits of those it is directed towards, and on those who showed it.
Practising gratitude in solitude can have a similar effect on our own lives. It directs our focus and attention onto the positive aspects of our lives, even in the face of a global pandemic.
Despite the overwhelming difficulties our society is facing over the coming months there is plenty to be grateful for on an individual level.
In The End
As many people are risking their lives for the good of humanity, the majority of us are asked to do nothing more than stay at home.
The coming days, weeks and months will be a test of character for all of us and we face a choice.
Survive or thrive.
This could be a positive experience for many living alone if you are fit and healthy.
A chance to reflect in solitude and refocus on what is important in our lives.
We will be forced to live without things that are part of our daily routines and we will soon find out which of those are actually essential to our existence.
This is an opportunity to grow. Grab it with both hands.
We didn’t ask for this, but it’s happening.
Be hopeful.
Be grateful.
Be kind.
Of Mind And Body is dedicated to unlocking the door to physical and mental wellbeing.
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