Introduction
Ever feel guilty about your lack of role and purpose in fighting the COVID-19 epidemic? Felt for the key workers and not known how to contribute to society when you have long term illness and disability? Then this blog and the three to follow may just take some of the anxiety, worry and guilt away and lead you to the space where you can accept those feelings and channel them in a positive light.
Guilt
I don’t know about you but initially during the announcement of the coronavirus I felt nothing but guilty. Thinking of the key-worker’s battling on the front line, determined to keep the country as safe as possible, from those medical staff to bin collectors, to supermarket workers all still putting themselves on the line to protect all of us and allow to live our lives.
There is also the element of fear and concern for our loved ones. As the death toll rises daily do you ever find yourself thinking with relief that your friend, family member, colleague, neighbours aren’t one of the ‘number’ ? Then feel guilt that the ever increasing number includes people from other families who are unable to say a proper goodbye or even have a proper funeral? This is a natural response and one we shouldn’t dismiss but we shouldn’t feel that we are wrong for having these moments of calm and relief when we now our loved ones are safe and well.
But then the conclusion followed that was no way to think or live. Contingency plans are being put in place to help us move forward and in amongst the doom and gloom we need to feel at peace with our thoughts.
We cannot sit and be miserable just because we are not able to tackle the outside world. So my mind turns to what can I do? What simple steps can I take?
When we follow the guidance we are supporting the governments now relentless plea for us to Stay Home, Protect the NHS and save lives. We have adapted or are adapting to a whole new way of life and that is hugely important if the country is going to stop the spread and get the downward curve we wait to see.
We must at times allow ourselves time to reflect on the bad, think of the sick and mourn the loss of individuals we know or those who have died alone. For me there isn’t a day goes by where I think about how lucky I actually am. A bad day for me is nothing to what others are suffering.
On Thursdays we clap and unite, thanking these key workers who are giving us a fortuitous time to take a moment to thank them for giving us the time to live our lives. We have seen how touching this simple act of thought and kindness has impacted on those who we celebrate at this time.
Perspective is needed, some levels of normality required.If anything this war has taught us just how precious life is and we need to embrace this and make the most of it. Otherwise, the people who are making huge sacrifices for us will be acting in vain.
That means things that help me and others to stay well and healthy so I don’t need to call on the NHS and give more strain to the already relentless medical interventions that those medical staff are having to make. Their sacrifice is giving us some contingency planning time to learn, grow, prosper and have hope for the future. There is a big possibility that we could become infected ourselves and what then? How do you want life to end?
We can think about how we live, discover things, learn about the world around us and struggle our way through the constant confusion, news alerts and programmes. Forcing us to actually develop a life where we can have happy moments, we are able to have laughing fits and to do daft things but at the same time allow ourselves those moments
So I conclude let’s pledge to move forward with a positive mindset. Be thankful for what we have, show our support for the amazing band of key workers up and down the country, eat well, sleep well, connect with others, exercise and smile. Make memories and give time to reflect on but not dwell on the loss of lives.
This has led me to a number of other blogs about what we can and should be doing whilst in lockdown. Hopefully, there will be something here to support you or of interest to you or someone you know.
How can we support Charities through this difficult time
No advert break right now seems to pass without a charity from the UK or abroad begging with us to help them financially as they struggle to stay a float. But being ‘charitable’ means to help and support others in need. This could be translated in many ways, the main one being money. However, this isn’t the only thing you can do and in this blog we will consider other options and opportunities for you to support and work with charities without the constant need to donate to everything that you see.
An introduction to Undefeatables - Exercise For All
So this is where ‘We are Undefeatables’ comes into play and would be a really good place to get started. It’s been running now since August 2019 as a national campaign, lead by Sport England and funded through The National Lottery. It highlights the fact that there are 1 on 4 people in this country who are trying to manage at least one long term health problem and are working alongside 15 health and social care charities. Make physical activity part of your life and especially during the lock down. Find some inspirational stories through the link below and join us on our adventure.
Learning as we battle
It’s very easy at the moment to see and think in a negative and unhealthy manner when the world is at war to conquer the battle against COVID-19, businesses are going under, the streets are empty and people are forced to stay inside.
However, this does give us an opportunity to learn? That could be on a personal level by completing a course online that you like the look of, there may be some craft materials in the house that you’d love some inspiration to complete. This blog will take you there as we at Time To heal explore our new found pastimes and extension of others.
Commentaires