We hope that you had a restful Easter weekend. This week we would like to focus on positivity, gratitude and hope. First, we want to acknowledge that the current situation is a disaster, so it is ok and normal to be in a survival mode. And this week’s tips are about finding small glimmers of light and hope within this.
How can we find opportunities within the current restrictions, even if small? What have we now got a chance to do, even if small? Or not do? How can we make the most of where we are at now?
If you need some ideas, here are a few suggestions:
Family time
Now is a good opportunity to get to know our loved ones better and spend quality time with them. For many of us with busy work schedules, prioritising family can often feel like a challenge, so now we have a chance to bond over simple activities, like cooking, board games, reading and walks.
Learning
Maybe there is a skill you felt like learning for a long time, but never had a chance to do. There are a lot of online courses on practically any subject. You can start simple and small and use the basic principles of goal setting:
https://images.app.goo.gl/qxVLTAPVEZpW22wp9
Declutter
Re-organising your sock draw at this time is a bit of a cliche, however, our environment undoubtedly affects our mood. Reducing clutter, whether physical or digital, and reorganising allows us to feel in control of our immediate surroundings, as well as removes unnecessary stressors as we go about our daily lives.
Reassess priorities
You may find this pause a useful starting point to ask if you are spending your time and energy on things which are important to you and align with your longer term goals and core values. Can you think of an action you can take right now to bring these towards alignment?
Cultivate gratitude
The practice of gratitude is well studied to have a long-term positive impact on our emotional well-being. Gratitude journaling is a popular activity, where you can write down 3-5 things you feel grateful for in the past period of time (e.g. 1 day or 1 week). Gratitude jar is another simple and effective exercise--all you need is a jar, decorated how you want it. You can then put in a paper slip with at least 1 thing per day you are grateful for. When you feel low, you can go back to your journal or a jar for a pick-me-up.
Best wishes
Fernwood Clinic Team
Read more articles on emotional health from our blog
How can we find opportunities within the current restrictions, even if small? What have we now got a chance to do, even if small? Or not do? How can we make the most of where we are at now?
If you need some ideas, here are a few suggestions:
Family time
Now is a good opportunity to get to know our loved ones better and spend quality time with them. For many of us with busy work schedules, prioritising family can often feel like a challenge, so now we have a chance to bond over simple activities, like cooking, board games, reading and walks.
Learning
Maybe there is a skill you felt like learning for a long time, but never had a chance to do. There are a lot of online courses on practically any subject. You can start simple and small and use the basic principles of goal setting:
https://images.app.goo.gl/qxVLTAPVEZpW22wp9
Declutter
Re-organising your sock draw at this time is a bit of a cliche, however, our environment undoubtedly affects our mood. Reducing clutter, whether physical or digital, and reorganising allows us to feel in control of our immediate surroundings, as well as removes unnecessary stressors as we go about our daily lives.
Reassess priorities
You may find this pause a useful starting point to ask if you are spending your time and energy on things which are important to you and align with your longer term goals and core values. Can you think of an action you can take right now to bring these towards alignment?
Cultivate gratitude
The practice of gratitude is well studied to have a long-term positive impact on our emotional well-being. Gratitude journaling is a popular activity, where you can write down 3-5 things you feel grateful for in the past period of time (e.g. 1 day or 1 week). Gratitude jar is another simple and effective exercise--all you need is a jar, decorated how you want it. You can then put in a paper slip with at least 1 thing per day you are grateful for. When you feel low, you can go back to your journal or a jar for a pick-me-up.
Best wishes
Fernwood Clinic Team
Read more articles on emotional health from our blog
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