In January during the Spring Festival due to unforeseen circumstances (aka Coronavirus) most of us were humbly brought back to the simple truth that we are in control of nothing. Safe to say, the end of January, the month of February, and now March has turned into an emotional rollercoaster for most of us and has tested our ability to adapt to the fast-changing circumstances.
In this article, I want to share with you how I have been navigating the blessings and struggles that came as a result of coronavirus. I also want to share some tips on how to boost your physical, emotional, and mental health.
Let’s start with the good…
Knowing that my work has been suspended until further notice (could be mid-April) I decided to use this time as an opportunity to travel to a couple of places I hadn’t visited before, namely Sri Lanka and Laos. I left Shanghai on February 2 and came back on March 11. Traveling together with my partner granted us rare quality time together which we wouldn’t otherwise have had - and for that, I am very grateful.
Now that I’m back in Shanghai, I intend to use this downtime to focus on four top priorities: self-care, connecting with loved ones, coaching, and writing my dissertation. How are you using this time to your advantage?
Now, let talk about the challenges…
Although as a healthy person with a non-compromised immune system I am not overly concerned about being infected by the virus, what concerns me is the three month pay-cut my company proposed to its employees. Earning like a student for three months and having to budget is something I am still adjusting to. Apart from the financial losses I also fractured my heel a week ago, which means I am unable to walk for 4 weeks. Being somebody who is very independent, active, and relies on walking, yoga, cycling, and dancing to get my happy endorphins, this injury, I will admit, made me very upset. Let’s face it, no matter how positively I tried to frame my situation (well yes, of course, it could have been worse as some people might point out) tears did sneak up on me and I did feel sorry for myself. I’m 100% certain that I will never take my ability to move for granted again! I hope this message motivates you to take even better care of your body and to never take it for granted.
If you are experiencing feeling tired, frustrated, anxious, and upset due to the current coronavirus situation give yourself permission to fully attend to these feelings, don’t ignore them or bypass them. Cry if you need to, yell, hit the pillows, dance, go for a run, or just express them in any way you want (of course without harming others!). And forgive yourself for any judgment of your current emotional state. Remember, this is not a permanent state of being, just something you’re moving through. As Shakespeare wrote, “there is nothing good or bad but thinking makes it so.” When I shifted from judging myself and my current circumstances and accepted where I am right now everything started to feel right, the struggle ceased, and I found myself trusting that all is unfolding perfectly the way it is. Each time I return to that trust, it brings me a wave of calm.
If you’re still carrying some bad juju around try this:
The power of service:
Start giving back to others. When we switch focus from ourselves to others in the power of service everything changes. Getting involved with pro-bono mentoring and coaching at my university really helped me shift my mental energy and it provided me with so much joy. During our holidays in Sri Lanka my partner tutored children in maths and each time he returned from the volunteering work he was filled with joy. The world needs you more than ever, so engage in the act of service and watch your internal state transform as a result.
““If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.” - Dolly Parton | You don’t even have to speak to change someone’s mood for the better.
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An attitude for gratitude:
When you focus on the good, you experience a new level of joy and open the door for more GOOD in your life. Start focusing every day on things you’re grateful for. Even during a crisis, remind yourself that there are still a lot people, things, and feelings you can be grateful for. When you’re feeling down, make a list of good things you have going on right now and I promise, you will experience a positive shift in mood. Pick a day and decide to spend the whole day running “thank you” as a mantra in your heart and mind. Focusing on what you have, instead of on what you don’t, is a very powerful tool. Don’t believe me? Try it out, I dare you!
Now make your health a priority and boost your immune system with:
Vitamin D3, Vitamin C, Zinc (you can get your supplements on iherb (https://cn.iherb.com/), use my rewards code TCQ200 to get 10% off your order)
Use sauna (if you have access to one!)
Drink plenty of warm water with lime, ginger and raw honey
Get lots of sleep
Eat loads of veggies and fruits
Avoid sugar, processed food, and alcohol
Start daily movement practice
Have a laugh, dance, sing, play, be silly
Invest in quality time with people you care about
Get yourself doTerra On Guard protective essential oil blend and apply it daily. To get doTERRA products at wholesale prices (35-40% below retail) sign up for DoTerra with my Sponsor ID, 237125.
Plan your day!
These are testing times for everybody and what we can do is keep checking in with our loved ones, keep praying, and choose calm & peace over fear & worry. And remember to love fiercely, hug tightly and never be the first to let go!
With love,
Iza
Coaching Psychologist and Relationship Coach
selfgrowthcourses.com thriveinshanghai.com