When each day is the same as the next, it’s because people fail to recognise the good things that happen in their lives every time the sun rises – The Alchemist
This quote just leapt out at me when I was looking for inspiration today because it just seemed so timely a reminder. How easy is it at the moment to lose track of yourself and feel as if every day is the same even though we are thankfully coming to the end of the latest lockdown?
How easy is it to fail to recognise the good things that happen each day when we are perhaps feeling isolated, frustrated and as though we are stuck in a never ending cycle of restrictions, lockdown and more restrictions?
Sometimes the good things we have to focus on may be very small but each time we give them a little house room in our mind and hearts, they grow and spread a little more warmth and comfort throughout our being. This latest lockdown is ending soon, there may still be restrictions but there is hope in the news that the R rate is coming down locally and the sun is shining as I write this post.
Take a moment to think of three good things that happened yesterday, however small they seem. Bring them to mind, let your thoughts roll over them gradually, savouring those moments and letting the positive images they create spread into a feeling of warmth and momentary joy, however fleeting. Recognise that feeling, give it a little house room and then spend a moment thinking of at least one positive thing that has happened since you woke up this morning. Make it a habit to spend a few moments each coffee time to do this little exercise, it’s a really simple way to help overcome any feelings of frustration you may be experiencing in this surreal life we are living at the moment.
Don’t try to force out any frustrations, acknowledge them, recognise the impact they are having on your body, then let them go and focus on a positive for a moment and allow yourself to experience the different way that makes you feel. What is happening in your body as you let go of the tension that accompanies frustrating, negative thoughts? How does your body feel different when you focus on positives? Can you feel yourself relaxing? Do they automatically bring a smile to your face?
Developing this awareness of the impact of mind / body reactions to situations and thoughts can really help to deal with everyday frustrations and anxiety and have a very positive impact on mood and energy levels. Exercise is another good way to improve mood and if like me, you’re not keen on the gym and are a fair weather walker, there are some great walk at home videos on YouTube that work in your living room.
I hope that you find this helpful. If you’d like to explore further though or if you’d simply like to talk to a chaplain about anything else, you are very welcome to call or text me directly on my mobile: 07526 378529.
Debbie
Alternatively, if you prefer you can email info@mitechaplaincy.com to request a call-back. We also have a range of resources on our own web-site including some that are more specific to the Covid-19 outbreak and some that help in dealing with everyday stress: https://mite.org.uk
You can also find us on social media at:
Facebook: @mitechaplaincy
Twitter: @mitesthwarr
