How are you in these unusual times?
Here’s an edited version of my Selfcare Acronym which some of you may have heard me speak about on the Alcohol Free Life podcast
Now is the time to boost your immunity and focus on selfcare. We may be in isolation or holed up but there has never been a better time to focus on our wellbeing, ensure that we stay in balance and as optimistic as possible. Where attention goes, energy flows…or something like that…and right now globally there is a lot of attention on crisis and calamity and fear. Sadly we can’t ‘magic’ that away and we all need to be responsible and recognise the gravity, BUT we also need to remain safe, well and connected Fear is contagious but so is hope and love so let’s all try and be part of the solution not the problem. We need to focus on looking after our own wellbeing at this time so here’s some simple tips and suggestions. Replace any words that don’t resonate with your own!
SELFCARE
S stands for Sobriety, Trust me there has never been a better time to be sober, I am SO grateful that I don’t have to panic about pubs closing or shops being emptied of alcohol. Remember, it lowers your immunity and increases anxiety levels. If you aren’t already a member of The Sober Club do consider joining us, it’s an incredibly supportive community. www.thesoberclub.com S is also for Sleep – Get lots of it, and practice good ‘hygiene’ leave your devices out the room, have a magnesium salts bath, and use Lavender essential oil, a few drops in a burner, or sprinkled on the pillow
E stands for Exercise. Your gym, swimming pool and classes may be cancelled but there are some amazing online classes including Pilates, Yoga and Gym sessions, you can easily do home workouts and at the time of going to press we CAN still walk in nature! Posture is also incredibly important, stand tall; especially when you feel anxious, it sends the right messages to the brain,( watch my TEDx talk where I mention the Power Pose!)
L stand for love, Self-love is so important, be careful of not reverting to old habits of listening to the inner critic, love for others is key too, and this is the time for a sense of community spirit; Love in action, one amazing thing that can come out of all this!
F stands for Friendship, Cultivate friendships online, and don’t forget we can send letters cards and drawings, it’s especially important to do that for elderly friends and relatives who may not be online. F also stands for Focus; focus on what you want for yourself over the next couple of months (within the limitations)
C stands for Connection, Connect with others, find your tribe. Creativity, this is the time to learn a language, get baking, singing, painting, knitting, gardening ….all the ‘ING’s’ (NOT Drinking!)
A stands for Awe, That sense of wonder, we can still be encouraged, uplifted and inspired, the daffodils are blooming, and the sky is still blue right? It also stands for Appreciation, keep gratitude lists and appreciate what we do still have.
R stands for Resources, What keeps you going? What tops up your battery levels? For some it’s walking in nature, others an open fire, I love the sea, it may that you love to do art or reading, whatever it is keep doing it! Your resources are also all that you need for boosting your immunity, good nutrition is essential. Read my post on immune boosting supplements especially Vitamin C and listen to the interview with Dr Sarah Myhill)
E is for Energy, stay grounded, keep your energy flowing, A simple tip is to take off your shoes and stand or lie on the earth, it helps you to feel calm This is great time to connect with your own energy, meditation, visualize and see what is within.
If you are new to meditation, just try this simple guided visualization which helps you to tune away from fear and raise your vibration
Stay well and stay positive!