“Control yourself or someone else will control you.”
– Anonymous
Change and uncertainty can be a scary time for everyone – and it can be an extremely difficult time to adapt to the change of the current pandemic we are experiencing. At the same time, it is imperative to deal with the emotions you are feeling, build resilience and ensure your health and wellbeing is your number one priority.
Set yourself a commitment, one for each of our tips, to help you to best cope with the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic, protect your mental health and maximize your wellbeing.
When making your commitments, make them as S.M.A.R.T. as possible (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound)…and don’t forget to also take Ownership – make yourself accountable for the commitments you are setting!
COMMITMENT: FOCUS ON WHAT IS WITHIN YOUR CONTROL
The Stress Management Society’s TOP Principle can be used to help you take control of your stressors, by dividing the challenges we can do something about from those that are outside of our control and need to let go. Use this circle image to help you visually see where things fall in each category. For some, the physical action of writing things down and then visually seeing it helps the brain process the emotions or feelings.
TOTAL
Stressors and worries that we have total control of, such as what we buy, eat and read
PARTIAL
Stresses and worries that are partially within our control, such as relationships, meetings and teamwork – YOU CAN ONLY DO YOUR BEST!
OUTSIDE
Things that are out of our control and we cannot influence such as, a pandemic, natural disaster or the weather.
Using the TOP principle, set yourself a commitment for how you can focus on what is within your control and let go of what is not.
For example: ‘I cannot control the current lockdown, however, I can control how it makes me feel by limiting the amount of news I watch each day’, ‘I will limit the amount of social media I am exposed to about the coronavirus pandemic’ and ‘I can keep myself healthy during the pandemic by making sure I do my daily exercise’.
WRITE YOUR DAILY ROUTINE COMMITMENT HERE:
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This is just one tip to help you destress and to keep you moving. Check out our other stress reduction tips here. We have additional blog post specific to pilates, pre/post natal, bone building for osteoporosis/osteopenia, mindful meditation, restorative yoga therapy, partner and endurance training. We believe in treating the whole person with a holistic approach and blend our knowledge and training of movement, nutrition, massage therapy and traditional chinese medicine.
We love teaching mindful movement and are here to support you in your journey. We offer remote online training from anywhere in the world. Contact us today to get started and learn to move with less pain and greater ease. We look forward to partnering with you and answering your movement questions and/or concerns.
Assumption of the Risk: By attempting any of the exercises, you do so at your own risk. We make no representations, guarantees or warranties that the information or exercises on this blog are appropriate for you or will result in improvements of your medical condition or function.
Not medical advice or physical therapy. This content is intended to provide information and instructions on general exercises that may help increase strength, mobility, and function for specific areas of the body. It is not intended to be a substitute for obtaining a medical diagnosis or medical or physical therapy advice from a qualified licensed provider. You should seek medical advice from a qualified physician or physical therapist before trying any of the exercises or self-treatment suggestions on this blog, particularly if your pain is from a traumatic injury or event.