Musings On Life

Keeping It Together While Keeping Your Distance

BIG WOW! Just over 2 weeks ago I was on a walk in the woods soaking in the simple pleasures of fresh air, the sounds of the wind in the trees and the crunch of snow underfoot. I felt relaxed and happy knowing that winter was in retreat. That is…until I got in the car just in time to hear the World Health Organization announce that we were officially in a pandemic.

Within hours of the WHO declaration my speaking engagements lined up for the spring began to get cancelled. One by one…the calendar cleared. The flood of negative news on all fronts became overwhelming. A trip to the grocery store offered another reality check: empty shelves, toilet paper shortages, shopping carts loaded to the brim pushed by people looking anxious and averting eye contact. And heaven help you should you have the sudden urge to cough! Preferable to abandon your cart and leave the store entirely.

In just a few days society has rewritten the script on social interactions. Like where suddenly the offer of a polite handshake became about as acceptable as pointing a loaded handgun.

“Get away from me” has become the new norm.

So now we stay at home doing our best to come to terms with the new reality.

If ever there was a time to dig deep it is now! And so, I am pleased to offer some Tips for Resilience to help during these very challenging times.

Meg’s Top Tips for Resilience

Start your day by asking “what am I grateful for?”
If possible, take time to get outside – keeping in mind the 6-foot rule.
Give your brain a boost by getting up and moving around every hour – roll your shoulders, stretch, and focus on your breath.
Find an online fitness program that suits you – from yoga, to pilates, to meditation – there are many great alternatives.
Limit the intake of pandemic news feeds – choose the best sources but don’t overdo it!
Create capacity in your home (Clear the clutter in one cupboard, shelf, closet or drawer a day)
Stay connected with family & friends. Pick up the phone – and there are also video apps like Zoom that offer the next best thing to being there!
Practice social distancing from the fridge and be mindful of reaching for a healthy bite.
When caught up in a negative thought loop take some deep breaths and refocus your energy.
End your day by thinking of one thing that lifted you up before you turn the light off to go to sleep!

Unlike any time in the past, we find ourselves in this TOGETHER. And while we are called upon to physically isolate, now more than ever we need to find ways to lean into and support one another so that we can manage well during these challenging times. Do your best to find the humor and be sure to remind yourself of those things we can be grateful for!

Meg Soper offers engaging and funny keynote presentations and employee workshops about conflict management and resolution in the workplace. Get in touch with Meg Today!

Why does Meg get booked for speaking events again and again? Find out!