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We are all familiar with the great Muhammad Ali. He was once asked if he liked his training regime. His classic response was: “I hated every minute of training, but I said to myself, ‘Don’t quit, suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.’” And so, he did.
As we adjust to life post-COVID, we must now consider a similar approach: to persevere, endure and make consistent efforts to make the most of our current circumstances and be a champion.
Like Muhammad Ali, we need to keep trying our best to renew our energy levels as we face into the next number of weeks and months. Even as restrictions are gradually lifted, we will need to learn a new patience and resilience as we make the transition into the new norm.
Mindful distance
Perseverance comes from the Latin word perseverantia and means to abide by something strictly. It also has within its meaning 'staying at a distance', which is ironic given the national request to adhere to a 2m physical distance.
You can also create your own mindful distance. Take a step back mentally and reflect on how you are doing, check in on yourself and how well you are looking after yourself in these tough times.
If you are feeling down, please don’t be surprised. It is a natural mood in these restrictive and unpredictable times.
However, it is important to manage such feelings so that they do not morph into feelings of loneliness, anxiety or depression. The following are a few gentle reminders of basic self-care tips that you could check in on and apply on a daily basis.
Eat healthily
In looking after your wellbeing, consider if you and your family are keeping hydrated, eating a balanced diet, etc. It can be difficult to avoid reaching out for the salty bag of crisps or popcorn in front of the TV. Poor eating habits need to be tempered, especially if there are already feelings of low mood in the household.
Healthy eating routine tips advised by Healthy Ireland during COVID-19 include keeping to regular meals times and snack breaks a day.
Placing a reminder or note on the fridge and treats cupboard can be an incentive to think twice before eating outside of mealtimes.
It can also be helpful to make a list of the meals you are going to make so it can help you plan for the week. Make sure to drink plenty of water.
Stay active
Being active during COVID-19 clearly is challenging for us all, as the opportunities to be physically active are by necessity restricted.
It makes sense to use the 5km allowance on a regular daily basis. If not the entire 5km, some part of it. This will help reduce time spent sitting for long periods.
While there are many opportunities to follow exercise regimes on You Tube, it is far more beneficial and healthier to get outdoors and get fresh air, while of course adhering to social and physical distancing at all costs. Remember, any physical activity is better than none.
Sleep
Sleep is every bit as important as a good diet and healthy exercise. Combined, they lend themselves to feelings of being healthy and happy, and, consequently, we can feel more in control of daily living.
Adequate quality sleep can also help us to feel mentally sharp and to prevent illnesses. It is regularly stated that one hour of sleep before midnight is worth two after midnight. The ideal aim is to get six to eight hours of sleep every night, getting that one hour in before midnight!
Thoughts and feelings
It is challenging to hold on to positive thoughts in these tough times. Mental Health Ireland, along with Mental Health Europe and the World Health Organisation (WHO), strongly recommend focusing on things that are positive in your life.
WHO recommends finding opportunities to amplify the voices, positive stories and positive images of local people who have experienced the coronavirus and have recovered or who have supported a loved one through recovery.
Everyone is struggling in their own way with COVID-19. Unfortunately, some people we know have died because of it, many have lost their jobs, many are dealing with other losses and illness. It is necessary for us all to adjust to a new norm, one way or another.
When you are beginning to feel tired or exhausted… stop! Take a minute. Free your thoughts. Let go of things you must do right now or later today.
Just let your thoughts rise and fall in sync and be at one with your own natural breathing. Feel the moment. Open your eyes and feel refreshed. Repeat if necessary.
Finally, remember that if we box clever like Muhammed Ali, we too will emerge from these turbulent times stronger, more resilient and thoughtful about life as a new norm emerges.
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