Day at a time, Supporting well-being with activity, 17/4/2020

A Day at a Time – A Daily Blog of Life in Lockdown

As seems the norm at the moment, I awake at 5.00, 6.00 and then finally at 7.00 am when I get up. This morning, my last waking was later and on coming down I let myself be distracted from my normal routine and next thing I was doing laundry, pancake making for the beautiful boy and a late bleach of kitchen surfaces and doorknobs. I was snuffling more than usual, and my throat felt a bit sore. I noticed my mood lowering and fearful thoughts creeping in about Covid-19. It is in our village and neighbouring villages. The Cotswolds, although a rural area, has infection running at an above-average 5-6 % mainly because of the high proportion of second homes. I think this is having a psychosomatic effect on me. Definitely time to come back to the present and get to the practice!

Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass

it’s about learning to dance in the rain

I practice a full routine of Qi Gong and a meditation. I feel unwell for the rest of the day, but my mood is good. Instead of working, I decide to take on a project that has been on my mind for ages – a photo book of my mother’s 80^th birthday with all the family. Within no time I am absorbed, and 5 hours go by and I am really happy with the result and feel a sense of achievement.

Hints:

• Taking moments to notice how we feel gives us the opportunity to make kinder and wiser choices about what we need
• We can literally change how we feel by changing what we do
• Building and establishing a daily routine of activities is a great way to resource ourselves during these difficult times