Wrapping up Mental health awareness month, I would like to discuss some ways we can maintain our mental wellbeing. It is crucial for us to take a proactive approach to taking good care of ourselves.
 
In this blog post, we will discuss three great things we can all do to make this week great. Check out part 1,  part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5,  part 6 , part 7, part 8 and part 9 of the survival guide for more tips and ideas.
 
#1: Be aware of your fears and concerns
Having fears or concerns is absolutely normal. Many of us grew up in societies where we never spoke about our fears. There was an unspoken rule of silence around topics like that. It took me years to learn that it was ok for me to have some fears as long as I do not let them rule my life. These days I have been paying attention to my concerns around he pandemic and the future when all this is over.
 
Questions to consider

• What are some of your fears or concerns?
• What situations trigger your fears?

 
#2: Connect with your support community
We all need a group of people who we can confide in and go to when times are tough. Having a tribe and support community has been very important in my life. As I navigate the ups and the downs, I have been blessed to have people who provide me with a safe space. Staying connected to your community is extremely important especially at times like these.
 
Questions to consider

• Who are the people who you can confide in?
• How often do you share your deep thoughts with you support community?

 
#3: Know that you are not alone in any situation
When we go through difficult situations or face challenges, it is easy to think that you are the only one who is experiencing it. Hearing other people's stories can be a way to get encouraged and gain more perspective on your situation. When you share your challenges, you open lines of communication with others around you.
 
Questions to consider

• Do you feel alone with your concerns?
• How can you learn from other people's experiences?

 
Final Thoughts
Let's end this post with one lesson that I learned this past week:
It is important to take some time off and relax. Because I have been working from home for almost three months, I have not taken any time off to rest and do nothing. Fortunately, we had a public holiday and additional day off. I did something I needed to do - got a lot of rest.
 
Call to Action
How are you going to care for your mental wellbeing?

Over the past weeks we have all gotten to experience new things and discover different aspects of our lives. It is definitely a once in a lifetime experience.
 
In this blog post, we will discuss three great things we can all do to make this week great. Check out part 1,  part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5,  part 6 , part 7 and part 8 of the survival guide for more tips and ideas.
 
#1: Breathe and be at peace
One of the keys to surviving and thriving through a situation like this is to find a way to be at peace. It can be hard to be calm with everything happening around us. Being intentional about trying to find your peaceful place is crucial in times like this. I have found that I am more at peace when I take good care of myself and do something I enjoy.
 
Questions to consider

• What helps you feel at peace?
• How can you ensure you find peace daily?

 
#2: Set healthy boundaries
At times like these, it is easy to get consumed by all our responsibilities for our families or work. You may find yourself spending many hours doing things and being busy. To avoid burning out, it is essential to set healthy boundaries around your time and energy. One of the things I have been doing better at is separating the times that I work, take care of my home, do things I enjoy and rest. Also, it has been extremely helpful for me to communicate my boundaries and ensure others respect them.
 
Questions to consider

• How much time are you going to reserve for yourself?
• How are you going to communicate your boundaries to people around you?

 
#3: Enjoy the happy moments
Although it may be hard to see the good during these times, there are so many things in our lives that are going well. It helps a lot to remind ourselves of how blessed we are and enjoy the happy moments in our lives. I have been making it a priority to sit and celebrate the good things happening in my life. I have been smiling and laughing a lot lately.
 
Questions to consider

• When last were you happy?
  
• How will you celebrate the happy times?

 
Final Thoughts
Let's end this post with one lesson that I learned this past week:
This past week I have been accepting that I cannot control this situation and the best thing I can do is to be hopeful. As a planner, it is difficult for me but I am learning.
 
Call to Action
How are you going to motivate yourself?

Another week is here, and we have the opportunity to motivate each other. Strangely, time seems like it is going back quickly and yet slowly. 
 
In this blog post, we will discuss three great things we can all do to make this week great. Check out part 1,  part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5,  part 6 and part 7 of the survival guide for more tips and ideas.
 
#1: Think about the future
The thoughts and concerns about the present situation easily cloud our view of the future. Thankfully, this too shall pass, and we will be able to work on some of our goals. I know it is hard to envision what life would be like when this is all over.  Envisioning the future gives me hope and keeps me energized.
 
Questions to consider

• What are you looking forward to?
• How are you going to stay hopeful about the future?

 
#2: Be patient with yourself
Especially as we go into more weeks of working from home or adjusting to the new normal, it is important to be patient with ourselves. Remind yourself that you are doing great and there is no playbook for how things should go. Also, it helps to stop comparing yourself to others.
 
Questions to consider

• How are you pressuring yourself?
• How will you stop pressuring yourself?

 
#3: Surround yourself with people and things that encourage you
There is a lot of sad news out there. It is crucial for us to find some good news and fill our lives with positivity.  Especially if you notice yourself being sad or concerned, it's time to change what you are watching and listening to.  I also value the people in my live who remind me that we are all doing well.
 
Questions to consider

• What positive things are you going to surround yourself with?
• How will you share positivity with people around you?

 
Final Thoughts
Let's end this post with one lesson that I learned in the past week:
The best way to survive uncertain times is to celebrate the small things that bring you joy. Recently, I have been celebrating the fact that it's springs and mangoes are in season. The joy of eating a fruit that reminds me a lot of my childhood has been a highlight of the past weeks.
 
Call to Action
How are you going to be bring someone joy this week?

 Most of us have been under some form of quarantine for many weeks or even months. It is incredible to be living through a time like this. We are all doing something spectacular.
 
In this blog post, we will discuss three great things we can all do to make this week great. Check out part 1,  part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5 and part 6 of the survival guide for more tips and ideas.
 
#1: Enjoy the time while it lasts
When all of this is over and we look back, there will be things that we wish we did. Time is going by very quickly and the anticipation of what comes next is robbing us of the experiences we could be enjoying. Take the time to enjoy a few things now. We will probably not get time like this to spend with our family and loved ones.
 
Questions to consider

• How will you enjoy your life now?
• What great memories can you create

 
#2: Do some self-care
It is interesting that we still need to be reminded to take care of ourselves. Do something nice for yourself like taking a nap, having a long bath, eating a great meal or whatever you enjoy. We are all busy taking care of others, working or trying to keep our businesses afloat and it is easy for us to neglect our own needs. Self-care should be a priority for you. It is a great way to rejuvenate and gather new energy for the week.
 
Questions to consider

• How are you going to take care of yourself this week?
• How will you ensure you make time for yourself more often?

 
#3: Continue being cautious
As some of the mandated restrictions in different parts of the world are lifted, now it is time for us to apply wisdom. We have the responsibility to take care of ourselves and our loved ones. It is important to take all the precautionary measures and stay safe. There will be enough time for us to adapt to the new normal.
 
Questions to consider

• What safety measures are you planning to maintain?

 
Final thoughts
We need to make more time to rest and not feel guilty about it. I had cultivated the habit of always doing something and packing my weekends with tasks. I have seen the benefits of taking time to do nothing and relax.
 
Call to Action
How are you staying focused on the good things in your life?