SELF care has been pushed to the forefront of everyone’s minds, and if we learned anything in 2020 – it is that we must first take good care of our health and wellbeing in order to care for the people in our lives.
WE have found ourselves having to adapt on an ever rolling basis of late, for example parent to teacher, and changing our “normal” way of life to take care of others. However you identify, either personally or professionally, we are all helping someone else out. Self care is important as it preserves and improves our mental and physical health – and it’s a decision we should all make consciously. Do something for you because you can’t thrive if you have nothing left for yourself. When you take care of yourself, you are more likely to be able to take better care of your family. The hustle and bustle of our everyday lives has made its way into our home life too, meaning things like work and school stress have crept into what should be our safe haven and comfort zone. This makes self care all the more important for us all. It is vital for functioning, especially during the trying times we have experienced of late, for maintaining optimal health, and for keeping calm, balanced, peaceful, and focused. Understanding what self care looks like for you can be as simple as 5 minutes to breathe and just clear your head, stay in the present, no lists, no jobs to do – just taking a moment. Some people call this awareness “mindfulness”, and we can all take steps to incorporate this practice into our own lives. Here, one of our Heartwood tutors, Emily, shares some steps to achieve a mindfulness moment – techniques she uses with her clients – to help you relax your body and mind and release stress.
1. Notice.
Take notice of what’s on your mind. Throughout the day just pause to notice if you are in this present moment or if you have random thoughts running around your head. For example, I noticed this morning when I was emptying the dishwasher how I go on autopilot and have a whole world of thoughts in my head. But in contrast, when I went outside to SELF care has been pushed to the forefront of everyone’s minds, and if we learned anything in 2020 – it is that we must first take good care of our health and wellbeing in order to care for the people in our lives. A new support group is being set up in Dartmouth with aim of creating a held space where people can come together, feel safe, supported and self-empowered, building hope and wellbeing to face these challenging times of lockdowns and the pandemic. The group who are also seeking a suitable venue to host the safe space will be held in compliance with current Government regulations. The organiser of the new group explained the aim of the group was to provide support adding: “Let’s unite, be there for one another, and keep our spirits up!” She hopes that those who see her advertisement to promote the group, feel inspired and have suggestions and ideas on how to take the support group forward. l Find out more about the new support group and make contact please email LoveLightOne@protonmail.com. Building hope – creating support Looking to set up a SUPPORT GROUP for the Lockdown/ Pandemic and a venue in the DARTMOUTH area, all under Government regulations. Please contact us via email to: LoveLightOne@protonmail.com Many Thanks! my garden, I was in the present moment, just watching the blustery wind blowing the trees around. You might find yourself crafting conversations, drafting emails, planning dinner, organising lesson plans, or worrying about your family members, instead of simply ‘being’ in the present moment.
2. Get curious.
Next, get curious about the impact of those thoughts running around your head. What feelings do those thoughts about the past or future bring up in you? When you’re not really paying attention, what effect does that have on the people around you? Do you experience indigestion because you’re not giving yourself time and space to eat properly? Do you have a headache with all the stressful thoughts in your mind? Do you feel overwhelmed by all the things you have to do? For example, I find that when I am on auto-pilot, I tend to bump into things or drop things. When I am rushing around, my stomach is all tense and anxious and I can get upset about the silliest things.
3. Discover.
You have been noticing and getting curious about the thoughts rushing around your mind and the impact of those thoughts that take you away from the here and now. Indulge yourself in those ruminating thoughts. Embrace them. Sit and listen to your thoughts. Then take a pause. Take a deep breath in and out. Allow yourself to naturally discover that moment of living right here, right now in this present moment— this is mindfulness. We now have some light at the end of the tunnel but the effects on our well-being and mental health will no doubt be long lasting. We can use these techniques as we prepare to slowly return to our normal lives, and preparing for a different dynamic can lessen the shock and anxiety.
Heartwood Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy Training are
based at Dartington Space, Dartington Hall, Totnes.
Visit www.heartwoodcounselling.org or call 01803 865464.