AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 Toolkit

6 Tools to Navigate Your Way With Greater Calm and Resilience

Knowing how to steady yourself and be the person you want to be right now has never been so challenging or hard. There is a catalogue of stuff going on right now that would keep you going with a lifetime of potential stress and worry. Don’t worry if the moments of feeling overwhelmed have been a more frequent experience of late. It’s completely understandable, given the current climate. The good news is that I’ve got your back and promise these 6 tools will help you.

1 Keep perspective

Difficult times can and will pass. I promise. Practice an open mind and climb right back out of the ‘what ifs…’ rabbit hole when you find yourself falling in or, even, digging away in there. Kindly bring your attention back to where you want it to be in that moment with a gentle inner tone.

2 Emotional care

- The really big challenge is not reacting to the emotion in a way that takes you away from being who you want to be in the moment (it’s easy to be snappy Sally!). Your emotions are dynamic and beautiful. They will fluctuate more frequently atm, as you encounter increased moments of anxiety, irritability, restlessness and overwhelm. Label it, don’t judge it, give it permission to be there and let it go all in it’s own time. Then refocus your attention back to what’s more important in that moment, like in step one. By acknowledging your experience, you are honouring it in a way that facilitates a crucial space for it to clear space for new experiences without avoidance or distraction.

3 Pace yourself

Are your basic nutrition, sleep, rest and exercise needs being met right now? Take control back of your schedule by accepting it’s current limitations and work with what you have got. Make sure to have a basic fundamental routine to ensure you are getting the above needs met. Creating a visual weekly overview will empower you with a greater sense of clarity. Get those you live with involved and don’t be afraid to delegate tasks or ask for help. You can then add in other areas, like hobbies, interests or other things, that you want to look forward to in the week. When feeling overwhelmed just keep it simple.

4 Stay connected

Nothing is as powerful as in person contact. Maximise on the potential for safe physical contact with those around you - especially hugs. If you are not in close contact with anyone then close your eyes and remember a time when you last had a good hug (notice how it felt, how the person smelled, texture of their clothes, and how you felt as you were in each other’s arms). Draw on your courage to reach out virtually or, better yet, chat to family/friends via video cam or the telephone. Try to really hear other’s voices and be as honest as you can. Don’t underestimate the goodness in authentic conversation. Keep an overview of your connection time across the week. A balance of time with others and time alone is something to hold in mind but not beat yourself up about.

5 Steady yourself often

Get to know yourself. Try new things and go back to the things that work for you regularly (these are often the things that we look forward to). We are all different, so free yourself from the need to compare here.

6 Be flexible

Allow balls to drop (if they need to), let unnecessary stressors go, pause more, breathe with intention more and, when you stop enjoying things, check in with yourself and let go of what it is that is demanding otherwise. During challenging periods, it’s totally OK to also have moments of laughter and joy.

I’d love to hear how you get on and you can email me at info@moore-living.com or DM me via @mooreandmooreliving on the gram.

Love and hugs

Catherine

xxxxx