Find positivity in this social distancing Wellbeing & Meditation
WHILE social distancing may be a new concept for us, it is an old idea that has brought about some amazing leaps for humanity over the ages.
Gillian Brockell of the Washington Post recently explored the period in 1665 when Sir Isaac Newton, then a student in Cambridge went through his own period of isolation during the Great London Plague.
At this time, he worked alone for long stretches and had various breakthroughs in relation to motion and gravity. According to Brockell’s article, he also came up with breakthrough theories in the fields of optics and calculus. All of his tremendous efforts paid great dividends later. He returned to Cambridge university after 2 years in 1667 and was very quickly promoted to being a fellow within 6 months, and within 2 years he was made a professor.
Over the last days I have had conversations with people from around Wexford, Ireland and all over the world and so many are reporting unexpected positive repercussions from this unexpected and unpresented disruption to our ‘normal’ life routines.
Every cloud has a silver lining and it shows up in different ways. The crises is showing us many previously underappreciated heroes in our society and bringing out a new sense of community, care and general resourcefulness. It is making us relook at our situations and find different ways of communicating, solving problems and getting things done as many of us work remotely. Here are some positive observations from others around Wexford about what they are noticing.
‘I’m eating more healthily and wasting less food as I’m planning what I buy and cooking more. I’m enjoying beautiful conversations with my daughters as we all have more time. I realise I have a lot to be thankful for.’ Ann, Wexford
‘I am proud to say I am Irish and of how people are trying to help each other out all over the country. We will get through this but only with the help of the whole nation pulling together as one. This is also bringing back family life into homes – everyone sitting around the dinner table together communicating with each other.’ John, Wexford
‘I wear a garmin fitness tracker watch and I have noticed my resting heart rate is 8 beats per minute slower than normal! It has never been this low, my body feels calmer. I know I can’t control what is going on in the outside world but I am in a position to look after my family and me.’ Angela, Wexford
If you are feeling under pressure or anxious during lockdown, here are 9 things you can do to lift your spirts:
1. Get yourself into a good routine. Don’t just fall into one. Eat well. Stay hydrated and add things to your day that you look forward to and that challenge you.
2. Take care of your finances and important matters. Although you may not be happy with your situation, it is important to get on top of things.
3. Focus on what you want – not what you don’t want.
4. Limit your news consumption.
5. Practice meditation and relaxation.
6. Reach out to loved ones and friends.
7. Learn a new skill. Whether it is cake baking like Brian O’Driscoll mentioned on the Late Late Show on Friday, or learning to do the splits like my brother, use the time to practice a skill or learn something new.
8. Exercise
9. Limit your technology usage. I found myself tired two days last week and realised my technology usage was going through the roof.
Take care of yourself and those around you. We are all connected.
Calodagh McCumiskey designs and delivers bespoke wellbeing at work programmes to grow people and companies. She also offers regular meditation classes, personal development workshops and wellbeing consultations to help people thrive
053 9140655 | info@spiritualearth.com | www.spiritualearth.com