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'Don't Sweat the Small Stuff'
William Makepeace Thackeray, the author of Vanity Fair, puts it best: 'Are not there little chapters in everybody's life, that seem to be nothing, and yet affect all the rest of history?' Let's all consider this lockdown and pandemic as a little chapter in our lives. Although it feels indefinite, it is but a small moment in the larger scheme of our existence.
The reality is that we have no idea how long this pandemic may continue and I think that is what makes this more challenging. Consequently, we are out of control, we physically can't change it - unless you're some genius research scientist working towards a vaccine, if so, I feel privileged and honoured to have you on my page.
I think now, more than ever the little things are what matter most. All of us commoners, can do the little things to make a difference, wear a damn mask, throw on some hand sanitiser, and don't overpopulate public spaces. Those are truly little tasks that could ultimately make a big difference.
When you consider those protesting about wearing a mask, I am almost swayed to ask them if they are losing such freedom to the comparison of being involuntarily conscripted to join the army and fight in a war that had nothing to do with them? ....
Thank you for letting me rant there.
Anyway, let's do the little things to impact this history-making pandemic in a responsible and unselfish way.
It's the Little Things
So let's get back to the title of this post, Surviving the Pandemic. In South Africa, we have been given pretty strict regulations, some have compared it to a dictatorship, but let's not delve into that controversial topic. Most of us have been pretty safe and spent most of our time in the confines of our own homes. Working from home, eating from home, studying from home, and exercising from home. When you're doing so many things in one space, claustrophobia tends to spike. You feel yourself screaming for freedom and, well, a life. As is the common phrase of the moment: 'It is what it is'.
So embrace the little things. Let's live for the little things, let's find joy in the little things, and most importantly don't worry about the little things. Sure this pandemic isn't little but it is a little moment in our lives. When you consider how long wars have lasted we can survive this. We can take this shit-show life has handed us and do something with it. Here are my solutions and suggestions below.
Don't sweat the small stuff baby
I have no intention of distracting from how serious this is and how it has unimaginably impacted people's daily lives. There is no 'but' all we can do is take it one day at a time.
1. Reflect
Firstly, I find solace in thinking about 3 things I am grateful for each day, right before I go to bed. This exercise often grounds me and allows me to find gratitude. It can be as small as a delicious cup of coffee in the morning, a good catch-up with a friend, or a hilarious episode I watched on Netflix. I am currently rewatching New Girl, which really makes my soul happy.
This is one of my favourite scenes if you are looking for a good laugh.
So find some time before bed to reflect on the day that has passed. Acknowledge the moments you appreciated, and are grateful for. I think this exercise puts things into perspective. It can shine some light on how fortunate you may be, ultimately giving you meaning.
We can't legally travel to dream destinations. Use the endless world of YouTube to bring you serenity
"Reflection gives the brain an opportunity to pause amidst the chaos, untangle and sort through observations and experiences, consider multiple possible interpretations, and create meaning." Jennifer Porter. Source: Harvard Business Review.
I love to do this in a calming and peaceful environment. My room does the job, however, a sunny, serene island would be great too. Here is the video I have in the background to set the mood and create a bit of an escape.
2. Re-invent
Secondly and sadly some of us may have lost our jobs during this pandemic or our hours have been cut back. This is life-altering and challenging. However, it ultimately gives us some more time. Ahhh time, as Clark Blaise notes, 'of all forms of life, only man possesses a sense of time'. It is our defining characteristic. Without time we could not measure innovation, success, or change and ultimately we could not discover or invent.
Therefore if time has been so generously given to you during this pandemic grab it with all your power. Use it to re-invent yourself. It can be empowering, challenging, and motivating to keep your mind active, to always learn. This is one of the greatest forms of self-development. Why not start a course? In learning something new you may be inspired to start a new career or discover new opportunities.
My Go-To Online Course Providers:
Coursera
The above are all paid services. However, with Coursera, there are courses that you can take for free and only pay for the certificate or qualification once completing your course. There is an unbelievable range on this site with the added bonus of qualifications from prestigious Universities.
Udemy
Udemy offers affordable courses with many options available. I just completed my Ultimate Google AdWords at a reasonable price of R250 with 25.5 hours worth of content. It can sometimes be a challenge to identify the legitimate courses from the bunch, as these are often provided by individuals and not institutions. Be sure to do some research and read reviews before making a final purchasing decision.
3. Relax
Nothing makes me more infuriated than when someone tells me to relax. The irony is that I am about to tell you to do that very thing. Everything about this pandemic sucks, I could use a better word here, but it describes it so well.
Satisfy all the senses: taste, smell, sight, touch, and hearing.
Be kind to yourself. Take at least one day a week off. I don't mean a day off work, I mean a day-off life. Don't get out of your pajamas. Try not to lift a finger except to put food in your mouth, binge-watch movies/series, and read. It's a day to not feel guilty about what you eat or do. I wouldn't suggest binge eating but have that takeaway you've been dreaming about or that slice of cake.
It is an opportunity to be present and unwind. Give yourself the opportunity to recover from a busy week or from your mind. Breath.
"If you get tired, learn to rest not to quit" By Banksy
4. Revive
This is taking some time to give energy back to yourself. To give energy to your skin, body, and mind.
The Skin
I have a bit of a collection of various soaps, face masks, and creams. They have all been gifts from Christmases or Birthdays. Some are not my particular flavour but I would rather use them than throw them into a bin, adding to the waste. I am particular about my skin but ventured to use some of the face masks. Why not? What are the chances of something going horrifically wrong? I am not doing much socialising, giving me ample time to recover from any implications.
Give it a go, maybe you'll find a product that gives your skin a glow and you can begin the revival process. You can read my post about the skin products I use if you are ready to take the step to build up your ultimate skin regime.
The Body
Exercise, if you have more time on your hands why not dedicate some of that to reviving the body which will, in turn, revive the mind. Find a form of exercise you can enjoy and sustain and begin the journey. Yoga, a walk, a run. Whether it's big or small, it all counts. For some additional motivation here is my humble opinion and post on The Real Exercise Solution.
The Mind
Revive the mind, the point made, to reflect should help you find some clarity however meditation is your go-to solution. This is not an easy task or a simple solution as it does take some practice and dedication. I love using the Headspace App. This is R60 a month, but you can try a free trial before making the commitment. You pay per month, if this is not working for you then you can cancel, no problem.
Headspace has different meditation styles for different problems. It has exercise videos and music for sleeping. It's an all-in-one opportunity to revive.
There are many meditation videos on YouTube that are cost-free and can easily assist in the meditation journey.
I have mentioned quite a few things above so don't feel overwhelmed or pressured. Select one that you see as a priority and take the first step. Start a bit of research, create a schedule, and sign up for a free trial. Do the little things in order to survive this little moment.
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