Enniscorthy Guardian

Look after wellbeing in times of Corona

Wellbeing & Meditation

- CA LO DAG H M CUMISKEY’S

A small problem can seem like a big problem until a bigger one shows up. It is hard to believe, Covid-19 didn’t even have a name three months ago. Now it is affecting our every move, and big and small decisions across the globe – for individual­s, families, businesses, communitie­s, government­s and countries. We are facing uncertaint­y in the extreme at a global level. It is a time of unpreceden­ted challenge and change all around the world.

CONNECT WITH YOUR INNER STILLNESS

When there is chaos in the world around us and chaos inside of us, we go around in circles. When there is chaos outside and stillness inside, we can navigate our best way forward in any situation. At a time when we need our inner resourcefu­lness more than ever, it is more important for all of us to take a bit of time each day to slow down and be still.

We experience peace in the space between our thoughts, so slowing our minds down through meditation and relaxation recharges our batteries and helps us bring a fresh perspectiv­e to whatever we are doing.

In my experience, the difficulti­es in life can bring out the best and the worst in people. For the most part, the best triumphs but we have seen signs of both these last weeks.

A friend who is a healthcare worker shared a lovely text from her neighbour who had cut her grass in appreciati­on of her role in selflessly helping people on the front line of this pandemic. My own mother’s carers have been particular­ly supportive and attentive as they are always.

And on the other side, there are stories of people stealing things out of other people’s shopping trolleys in the supermarke­t. Fear can make people behave in the most extreme of ways. Fear is also a major cause of stress.

Here are 10 things you can do to make the best of these challengin­g times we are facing: What to do?

1. Follow the precaution­s around social distancing, hygiene, health and isolation of the HSE and other relevant authoritie­s.

2. Stay informed but don’t feed fear or spread panic. Be considerat­e and responsibl­e in your conversati­ons.

3. Take care of logistics and finances. Get your finances under control and apply for whatever supports and insurances you are entitled to, particular­ly if you need them to tide you over. Communicat­e clearly with others around financial matters and any limitation­s you may have. At the best of times, money is the thing that worries people most.

4. Be positive and resourcefu­l–Remember we need 3 positive thoughts to counter 1 negative.

Too many negative thoughts can easily put us into a downward cycles of depression and anxiety.

5. Take time to relax your mind each today. If you have lots to do, a minute of unburdenin­g your mind will make you more focussed and productive. By simply focusing on your breath, you can bring your mind to the now and balance. Doing this effectivel­y closes all the open files in your head so you bring a fresh perspectiv­e to whatever you are doing enabling you to solve problems more easily.

6. Do things that make you feel good about yourself and life. I have heard stories of people in China using the time to learn a language. Or you can complete home improvemen­ts or other projects on your list.

7. Reach out to loved ones, friends and people around you.

8. Have quality conversati­ons and reflection. These times can often open our minds and hearts to more authentic and deeper conversati­ons with people as we pull back from the hustle and bustle and are more grounded in the basics of life.

9. Help others. Over the last few days I have heard many inspiring stories of kindness and people reaching out to elderly neighbours and vulnerable groups.

10.Take care of yourself. And others. We are all connected as this is virus is reminding us. 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

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