What are you doing to keep cool and calm through this?

[StrongLegs]

I Just wondered if anyone else has strategies for keeping cool and calm while all this covid stuff is going on?

I'm doing a lot of walking in my garden (about 10,000 steps a day with a pedometer), and a tiny bit of aerobic exercise each day to improve my fitness. I am also learning a musical instrument, but in a very slow careful way so that it is meditative and not a massive stressful challenge.

I'm trying not to sit endlessly at screens and binge on bad news. I'm also really enjoying Mumsnet as a way to get a bit of a natter.

I wondered if anyone else has good things that are working for them?

@StrongLegs

Definitely a case on focussing on the positives where I can. My Mum has had bowel cancer through the pandemic which has been a challenge. My DD is primary school age and DS is a toddler. DP has been working from home a lot. I decided not to go back to work, so I could homeschool and care for DM. So we are struggling for money, and our house needs essential repairs.
However - I’ve found that we really bonded as a family as we could just sit together on the sofa and cuddle during lockdown.

DD and her school have been amazing throughout it all - and I actually think DD’s mental health has improved - just from lots of family closeness. She used to have fairly regular tantrums - now I can’t even remember the last time she had one.

DS is very affectionate and is hysterical - so he has kept us entertained. I did have concerns about his speech, and lack of interaction with others - but he’s progressing well now that he’s started toddler groups again.
My Mum has been my biggest worry. She lives alone as my Dad died a couple of years ago. She has shown such strength of character, taken care, kept herself fit - she is now post op and very vulnerable - but it looks like the operation has been a success and she’s just taking care and I’m taking care around her.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs - I’d recommend having a look! It shows what is essential to focus on in times of hardship. I’ve always believed that - so long as I have enough food/shelter/warmth I can find ways to be happy.
Lots of walks in nature have helped too. My Mum lives near a beach - so just going there when it is quiet, and staring at the sea. 5/6am in the morning is a magical time.
Exercise has helped.
The only thing that’s made me sad - is society - riots, abuse, people with an agenda, people being highly individualistic with little or complete disregard for others.
So I feel fairly disenchanted in that way - and am choosing to exclude myself from places where I might encounter that.

Good thread OP - I think it’s great to share helpful experiences.

@UndercoverToad Thank so much for your kind reply. Some of us have had a lot more to cope with than others I think.

I'm going to draw this thread to a close now. I had hoped for supportive suggestions and the majority are just people saying that life is fine for them, which is not super helpful to me.

I'll just step away now. Thanks to all those who made kind suggestions.

@StrongLegs you sound like you are doing lots of good things, exercise is brilliant - and learning a musical instrument is so therapeutic. Xx. Reaching out is also good, and this was a thoughtful thread to start. I think screens are fine when used in a positive way, but it’s good to put them down when negative feelings take over.

One thing my daughter’s teacher did - every day - was to ask how her students were feeling. She helped them open up and discussed how those feelings were normal - in an unprecedented and challenging situation. Good luck, you sound lovely xx

I'm finding swimming and routine really helpful.