25 ways to keep calm and carry on
Life can be funny and this year, the entire world seems to be on fire. So much has happened. We barely remember the Australian bushfires destroying communities, which were overshadowed by some tensions in the region, and then bang, COVID-19 had been dominating our lives since March (or was it February?).
Has your world been turned upside down?
It’s absolutely crazy with lockdown, working from home, trying to home school and now keeping the kids entertained while staycations may be the travel trend for 2020. Don’t even mention the paper files on the desk! There’s chaos everywhere. How can you stay calm?
Staying calm with an app
If you want to get back into control and feel less stressed, an app can help you. Over the last few years, we’ve seen more and more apps come to market, promising us a calmer and more focused life. At least sometimes, as the NY Times found:
Find inner peace without electronics
- Take a deep breath
- Put up your feet
- Make your bed
- Close your eyes
- Walk around in nature – barefoot
- Take a time out
- Count to 10
- Do some Jumping Jacks
- Acknowledge that it’s ok to not be ok
- Accept what is
- And control what’s in your circle of control
- Understand your triggers
- Sing a song – mine is Let it Go from Frozen
- Paint 🎨 with our friend Jessica Watson-Thorp
- Meditate
- Try the calming breath technique 4-7-8
- Doodle
- Play a jigsaw puzzle
- Drink some water
- Get off social media
- Unplug
- Express your gratitude
- Delegate
- Say no
- Ask for help!
For me, walking has become an effective way to combat stress. No matter where I am, I can put my shoes (and mask) on and just walk. I admit it can be quite hot during the day and I’d prefer to go for a long round (about 1 hour) in the evening. Yet, sometimes, it gets also crazy around me and I just need to walk – walk away from it all and breathe!
What helps you to stay calm when everything around you in going up in smokes?
Until next time,
Agni