We are currently in week 2 of the COVID-19 circuit breaker measures in Singapore. For many others in the US, Europe, China etc they are going into their 3rd, 4th, nth week of lockdowns or “shelter at home”. In many ways talking and hearing stories on how people in the other parts of the world with much stricter measures are coping; keeps me going. It helps to reinforce that we are together in this period of crisis; and gives hope that we will get through this somehow.

Many of us are feeling anxious and heavy in this period of uncertainty - it could be over the fears of financial security or even worse; if you are living in a home that you do not feel safe in. For others the restlessness and boredom of not being able to go about our activities and daily routines is the dominant cause of frustration. For many of us there is a combination of both, with differing degrees of direness.

With so many variables that are out of our control; there is something that is within our influence - and that is our attitudes on the situation. It is hard to see the positives when we are in a dark place but with a bit of intention and a few spare minutes we can focus our mind on the things that we have to be grateful for.

“In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”

Source: Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Business School

So when the feeling of restlessness and frustration sets in; pause those thoughts with these 3 easy steps:

1. Take 3 deep breaths

2. Think about 3 things that you are grateful to have despite this pandemic 

3. Give thanks to your loved ones / God / Universe for providing you with the comforts that you need to get through these challenging times

Practicing gratitude may not solve the crisis we are going through now, but it does help us to ride through it a little easier and allows us to accept the challenges ahead better.

For me today, I am grateful for:

• A safe and comfortable home with everything that I need within my reach

• Knowledge that my loved ones are currently safe and healthy

• The ability to still get some exercise and movement that I need to keep my energy flowing

If you are struggling and need someone to work through the changes and challenges of these times, please contact me for a complimentary coaching session. If you feel unsafe, vulnerable and fearful being in your home or know of someone who does, please reach out to me, a trusted person and/or the authorities who can help. More than ever now we need to reach out to one another for support.