It has been a year since COVID19 entered the Netherlands and completely rocked the country. The end is not yet in sight. Are you still doing well? Do you feel stressed from time to time? Very understandable. That's why today we are listing some tips for you to get through corona without stress!
Journal to see what is possible and to be grateful
We all used to have diaries and write down what we had experienced that day. Why did we stop doing that? Journaling is the way to organize your thoughts and take a moment for yourself. When you feel stressed, grab a nice book and start writing. For example, write down how you feel, why you are stressed, what you often think about, etc.
Next level journalling: look at everything positively. Sure, it's frustrating that not everything is open and you can't do everything you want. But what is possible? What things can you do that do energize you? Write that down and then take a good look at it. Chill right, all those possibilities?
You can then also make it a kind of "gratitude" list. Write down what you are grateful for. This could be the delicious cup of coffee this morning or the fact that you worked so productively this morning. It can be either business or personal, from a nice sunshine to a happy client and from your plants growing so well to an accepted offer. Just like journaling, you can go all out and then stare at it with satisfaction. Guaranteed to make you feel better!
Engage in (outdoor) sports
That sports are good for you I don't have to explain. Yes, there are quite a few restrictions on (group) sports. Fortunately, there are still plenty of options. For example, how about...
- Walking maybe a (natural) area or city you haven't been to yet?
- Surfing: kitesurfing, wave surfing, windsurfing, foil boarding ... there is always a form of surfing that suits you
- Running: alternate your usual laps with new routes to keep it exciting
- Dancing: dancing on the beach or in the busy shopping streets is still possible! Dancing is so incredibly good for you and you can do it your own way. Go to the dunes at night, put on some techno and go wild. Good vibes guaranteed
- Skating: skateboarding is long gone from being just for the skater boys with the long hair and wide jeans. There are skateboards for every level and every purpose. Try a long board to cruise, a carver to practice your surfing skills or a regular skateboard to explore the city
Surround yourself with positive people
Everyone has a hard time during corona. Some a little more than others, some in a different way than others, but we all struggle in our own way. Therefore, no one is cheerful 24/7. Yet there are some people who are more positive about this than others.
Do you notice that people pull you into their negativity? For example, do they think only in terms of limitations? Try to find a healthy balance between these people and optimists. Otherwise, chances are that you will be drawn into the negativity. If you find that you are stressed out, find an optimistic friend. That will also make you a better person and then you in turn can pass on the positivity.
Don't go to work too much
Many people suddenly have oceans of time now that drinks, vacations and sports classes have been eliminated. It's tempting to fill that with more work. After all, then you also get more money in and feel fulfilled.
But it's not good for you; you can still get burnout. Be really careful not to use your work as an escape. Still take care of yourself and do fun things - see tips above. Use Toggl to see how much you are actually working and dare to put on the brakes. Take this pandemic as an opportunity to really check in with yourself and take your rest.
Meditate daily
Clue in and following on from the previous point, but take your rest in the form of meditations. I myself am a fan of Insight Timer's meditations, but I have also heard good stories about Calm or Headspace.
Not in the mood for an app? Then YouTube is also a great resource for you. Really try to incorporate a meditation rhythm. For example, meditate for 10 minutes every morning between brushing your teeth and eating breakfast. That way, you'll keep your calm and make sure you don't get too stressed.
