Living Normal in Stranger Times

If you told me that countries would be closing borders and entire cities were being locked down, I might have compared it to a dystopian novel, or movie which normally I'd be keen to devour. I started this post before self-quarantine and self-isolation were happening in high numbers - before schools, nurseries, universities closed, before restaurants, bars, gyms closed their doors, and bookstores pull down their shutters - but here we are now. We are only allowed outside once a day for food, exercise or medicine. We are not allowed to walk two metres within the next person, and only two weeks before people were pulling faces at others in masks and rubber gloves. Not anymore. No more smirking behind hands.

Don't get me wrong, I want to stay positive about healthcare and breathe calmly while the entire world is swimming in chaos, but, the tough reality is it's making me anxious. It feels like we're being paused. Our lives - and everything we know is on hold, and we're waiting for someone to turn off the "Pause" button. Being helpless to a situation is unnerving so we adjust our mindsets and try our bests to cope, to adapt, to survive - it's in our DNA - survival.

So, I'm thinking of  what really matters in this moment and it's the small simple things we take for granted every day. Watching small birds singing in the trees outside my window, and seeing the spring blossoms falling away.  Walking around the local hood, feeling the sunshine on your face, being able to hug loved ones, and laughing at silly jokes that only you and your closest friends can understand. I can't wait to get back to normal, but I know our normal will be forever changed, and hopefully for the better.

Here's a few activities to try if you are feeling a little lost during these strange times.

1. Check on your family and loved ones - even the estranged, crazy ones. Call your parents, your siblings, your favourite aunts and uncles - check on your friends,  make a rota and get dialling.

2. Breathe - open a window.  If you're feeling anxious, take your time, close your eyes - and inhale. Exhale very slowly.  Sometimes I find laying on the floor - starfish position calms me no end.

3. Keep a schedule - a routine is good and will help you focus - even if it's just a few things on that list - keep one to keep you moving forward.

4. Be kind to yourself - meditate, replenish your mind, body and soul.

5. Stretch - it helps. Shake the cobwebs, warm your muscles in the morning.

6. Go outdoors - if you're able to venture outside once a day, do it if you are well. Always practising social distancing when you do - keep 2  metres between you and the next person.

7. If you're feel that a sofa and chill day is in order - take one. Listen to your body, rest up. Snuggle up in your favourite nook with a book or movie. This activity calls for PJs or yoga pants, bras are optional - just saying.

8. Spring clean - now is the time. Any day is good for a little decluttering. All those organising projects you kept pushing aside?  Yes, you can.

9. Make a list of things you need to grab on your weekly shop - yes, I'm trying to follow this advice, and am getting creative in the kitchen with simple meals. We are trying to eat fresh where possible but obviously I work with what's available and in the cupboards.

10.  Sleep - have an early night when you can, your body will thank you for it.



Stay safe and well,
Talei x