Yesterday I visited my local market as I do most weeks, it’s usually one of my favourite things to do. However yesterday was different, as I stood in the crowd of people, some weary masks, I felt a sudden surge of panic. Having experienced many panic attacks before I knew the signs all too well, heart racing, sweaty clammy palms, dizzy blurry eyesight. So I got myself out of there pretty quickly and did my best to return to a sense of calm. I felt silly for feeling that way and woke this morning wondering what I can do to prevent the anxiety and overwhelm from recurring. Over the past 10 or more years I’ve been gradually learning and adopting new habits to improve my mental health and embed tools to keep anxiety & depression in the past. Over the last week I had stopped applying many of those healthy habits and indulged in an over consumption of news. Sure I wanted to keep myself informed and not be naive nor ignorant but I’m self aware enough to know my limit before I become over sensitive to it all. Once I’m in that state I’m of little to no use to myself or others. No amount of my staying informed will cure the worlds woes but I believe if we collectively stay well mentally & emotionally well we can see a major shift. I expect what I’m experiencing is something many people are, in particular creative types. A good imagination when used for positive thoughts is wonderful, yet with that comes a flip side when left unchecked. Remember your soul is what to tap into and listen to not the mind! The sense of uncertainty is one of the major contributors to anxiety and although removing any impulse to control the future is the most ideal antidote, it’s often unrealistic for many of us. Particularly if you love to plan & look forward to the future as I do. 

Looking at what you can control and plan is helpful to me and keeps me on track. For anyone else feeling this way you might find it helpful to read my list of things to do if you are quarantined or should we have a lockdown.

So here’s the list;

• Read books 
• Have a bath
• Sit in the garden 
• Tend to the garden 
• Meditate 
• Talk to family & friends (deeply)
• Write – books, blogs & journaling 
• Watch comedy, romance, adventure movies and tv shows 
• Yoga classes on FMTV 
• Dance & sing 
• Play in the cubby & trampoline (yes I know I’m an adult)
• Clean & sort all cupboards & garage (Marie Kondo style)
• Arrange flowers from garden 
• Film tutorials 
• Sort photos into albums (digitally)
• Take more photos 
• Make playlists
• Make rose water 
• Make flower essences
• Cook
• Cuddle the dogs & family 
• Create Pinterest boards 
• Watch YouTube 
• Create YouTube videos 
• Create new vision boards 
• Study online courses
• Exercise 
• Remember to take supplements 
• Connect with people via social media 
• And so so much more 

Upon reflection of my list I’m going to ensure doing more of these daily regardless of a lockdown or not! 

Actually it would need to be a very long lockdown to do it all 😂

Stay well, safe and connected.

With gratitude,

Yvette x