Right now we are going through some tough times. With the outbreak of COVID-19 or Coronavirus as it has been called, many of us are finding ourselves in self isolation or working from home. Governments have shut borders, countries have closed down and large events & gatherings have been cancelled.

And it seems as though things are going to get a lot worse before they get better again. So I wanted to share some thoughts with you on how we can all look after ourselves and cope with being in isolation.

It’s time we start applying some optimism and seeing this situation as an opportunity to get comfortable with ourselves. It’s time to start seeing this as an opportunity to use the extra time we have to do the things we don’t usually get to do. I, for one, am using the time to be more creative and productive. Let’s use the time to level up.

It could be a good time to start learning that instrument you’ve always wanted to play, to start writing your blog, to do more reading, to create some art, to start catching up on your favourite podcasts, to start that online course you’ve been putting off, to finally organise your website, or begin learning a new language – like I am choosing to do. Mi Espanol es muy bien 🙂

There are so many opportunities and endless ways to use this as a time to be productive and as a time to educate yourself.

On the flip side, we also have to take care of our health – both physical and mental. Spending a lot of time alone and indoors can begin to breed some anxieties so it’s important to get your exercise in – do some yoga or a home workout or go for a long walk to get some fresh air. Maybe even give meditation a go, to help centre you each day and fight off the anxiety. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water (not too much caffeine!) and eat healthy foods. And, as importantly as anything else, be sure to check in with your family and friends via phone or FaceTime of course.

If this all seems like a lot and you are beginning to worry about how much you can fit in; I always find it helpful to keep a routine. And in times like these, routine can be essential to your day.

Each morning that I’ve been waking up, I’ve been doing 30-40 mins of yoga, eating a healthy breakfast, having a shower, doing 10 minutes of meditation and then 20-30 mins of reading.

Once I have done all of this, I plan out my day and what actions I need to do for work etc. And then I am ready for the day ahead.

If you can keep a routine, it will help keep your days together and add some structure. It’s important not to spend time watching rubbish on YouTube or nonsense on TV. Use this time wisely to educate yourself and to level up, so that once it is all over, you’ll find yourself in a better place.

I would also suggest limiting your media intake – spending too much time on your phone is never good for your mental health, even limiting the amount of news you are intaking. There’s a lot of information out there and it can become very overwhelming very quickly.

Remember, we’re all in this together and we can all get through this together. The most important thing is taking care and staying healthy.

Lots of love,

Alex