Self-improvement through lockdown and challenges ahead

This blog is for you if you want to cope better through current and future challenges.

I have pulled together my 5 top tips that will help you to ride the ups and downs in your world.

1. The starting point is to improve your serenity, your calmness. Focus on changing the things that you can and letting go of or accepting the things that you cannot. For example, what personal changes can you achieve, baby steps, this week? One of my clients is spending some of the time she used to spend on social media, on moving! She chooses what this is, dependent on her mood. I like it. Sitting for long periods of time is not good for our health and wellbeing.

2. To help you to cope better what resources can you draw on? Start by identifying people you know who listen well, make you feel good about yourself, help you to organise things and solve problems. Connecting with positive can do people is good for your health and wellbeing.

3. A well-known tool for helping you to be calmer is to put a boundary around worry time. For example, you allocate yourself twenty minutes each day at a set time to worry, say 6-6.20pm. If you find yourself worrying outside of this time you put it to one side in your mind or note it down so that you remember it during the boundary period at the end of which you stop.

4. Giving to others is another good practice feel good/wellbeing practice that self-esteemed individuals use. Giving the gift of time I recommend. It costs nothing and is very rewarding.

5. Create a couple of calm practices in your day that you can do alone. One idea is starting the day with a positive affirmation that calms you, such as "today I will smile and be kind to myself and others". Another idea is to be mindful, just for the day, experiencing what you do through your senses rather than rushing through the day, slowing down.

West of England Coaching and Counselling provides coaching, counselling and mentoring for busy professionals who value the guidance and support of a trusted advisor. You can get in touch via our website www.westofenglandcoachingandcounselling, that gives e mail and telephone details.