As a Counsellor, in addition to my Personal Training side of the business) I am finding I’m having a lot of enquiries at the moment about staying positive with the current restrictions and uncertainty we find ourselves facing. The strange and immediate effect on our normal routine and day-to-day living. . We find ourselves more and more confined and restricted, there is uncertainty, a bit of panic and a constant and nagging low level of anxiety anxiety. The kids are off school, some of us that had busy and healthy businesses suddenly find a lot of time available and the worry that the bank balance will be equally as empty. Maybe we are trying to work from partners and kids all jostling for spaces and trying to keep civil and sane, longing for normality and a little bit of peace and certainty!i
We are all in this strange and uncertain time together and it is easy for the days to go by with us feeling a lack of achievement and a lack of structure that we are used to.
The other day, I did a little exercise with my son which I thought I’d share with you. As well as being a good exercise it also brings you together away from the work, schooling and housework and chores to do an exercise together that makes you think of things outside of the current situation and also gives a chance to discuss any fears, worries or concerns that you all might be feeling and keeping in. A chance to decompress.
Write out 4 lists:
Things I NEED to do
Things I've been MEANING to do
Things I would LIKE to do
Things I have ALWAYS WANTED to do
Take List one each and give yourself two minutes to brainstorm After the two minutes each discuss what you had on the list.
Repeat this process for each of the other lists.
When you’ve gone through your lists together, make a pledge that each day in this ‘Lockdown’ period you will try to do one thing off each list at some time during the day. Even if it is five minutes. List number four is the one you can have the most fun with! This is your dream list! Be as imaginative as you want! Maybe, you’ve always fancied doing a Bungee jump! Although you can’t do that at the moment you can take little steps towards it so it might be that you build in some time to watch a Youtube video about it, or take some time to research the perfect locations or places that offer training courses, anything that brings you a little closer to your goal. It’s a step closer to a positive future and a step further out of the current situation that we have no control over.
Anyway, me and my son had fun completing it last week, I hope you do too. Now, ……. Where did I put down that Macrame plant holder I’ve started making…………. ;)
Stay safe and keep well,
Iain x
