Frustrations and emotions lead to abnormal reactions...

Day 19 of the coronavirus lockdown in the UK. How are you doing?

I talked last time about the day-16 difficulties and oh my have I been experiences those...

Enough said here really, but you can listen to my thoughts and experiences from about 27 minutes in. A few things that really rattled me. Glad that I have captured them, observed them and sat with them but no point in staying with them - let them go and get back on your 'happy pony' and find new excitement in the ordinary.

Find a relaxing breathing exercise at 44 minutes. This is something that I encourage all my clients to do regularly during the day. Deep slow breathing, pausing at the top and bottom of the breath. 

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On the Easter bank holiday weekend we are so used to being with family and travelling to lovely holiday places. 

But, now that we are working from home and at home all day, everyday for the foreseeable future, how are you spending the weekend? Take time to relax and make it special for you and the family.

Drop any guilt - gosh did I experience some guilt when I didn't do any work on Saturday.. What is that all about? We are the only people putting pressure on ourselves so stop! Stop and reflect, observe and take time out for you, and for your loved ones.

* * * * 

Be aware that many people, especially older folk, are struggling with the online connecting, or just plain avoiding video connections. Try to support those around you. Be patient with them. And help them out - they need you now more than ever. 

We need to look at things differently and see how we can adapt or work around the changes we have to endure.

• Procrastination list versus a to-do list - change your thinking and find ways to establish a routine that works for you
• Death is all around us but everything related to this has been challenged - look out for a new series from our gust blogger Barbara Lawther
  • how have you planned for your demise, which will happen one day, hopefully not soon
  • not being able to be with our loved ones as they pass
  • changes to burials and cremations
  • the 'normal' celebrations of a persons life are just not possible in the way we might be used too
  • look at ways to reflect privately on the passing of those special to us
• Be present with our loved ones - connect with at least one person every day and make it count
  • if you have vulnerable people who you are not able to visit, find a way to connect with them via video conference or visits through the window from a distance
  • find different ways to connect.. 
  • ask care homes, and others who are present, to facilitate connection via video conference - many are looking at supporting connection with loved ones under these circumstances

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Leaders are people too. But have things changed sufficiently for us to be, finally, exploring different ways of engaging and leading. Command and control is so last century...

How can we enable people to think and bring their best selves to work? This is a longer discussion for another day. How are we building resilience in our teams and workforce? What needs to be planned for the post-covid19 phase of reintroduction to movement and travel?

* * * *

Have a beautiful Easter and keep safe.

With love...

If you are finding things difficult please reach out and talk to someone. It is tough, any change is difficult.

I, and many other people around you, will do what we can to support you. Please reach out. Ask for help. Talk to others. 

There are a range of options available:

• For those trying to find a routine in working at home
• If you need someone to talk to, let's have a chat
• If you are looking for some inspired reading
• If now is the time to focus on you and what you want in life, we have plenty of time to do that..., then take a look at the various coaching options available 
• Join in the "mycornerintime" hashtag on instagram and twitter, where I am taking a daily picture of a corner of my world and capturing the beauty of the changes
• There will be more things over the next few days so sign up for the latest news about home based retreats, group coaching, mental resilience, stress management, home based working, and just keeping sane.