Our lives have changed in an unprecedented way. I am sure you have heard this time and time again recently.
Many people have become sick and many across the globe have died from the complications of Covid-19 and this is tragic for them and their families.
People have lost their jobs and the economy is suffering. It seems the whole world economy is so interlinked that one thing like a tiny, invisible virus can cause the whole world to halt and begin to fall apart.
This causes so much anxiety and stress and the biggest thing that worries people is the uncertainty of when it will all end and the ultimate outcome for us personally, emotionally and financially.
Going through menopause and midlife can make all of this seem so much worse and many women are also dealing with the anxiety and stress of going through this change of life anyway!
Someone said this to me the other day…
I go through my life at the moment, watching and listening to the news, hearing my friends talk about all the awful things happening in their lives and in the world, and I feel like everything is really hard, unhappy and negative.
This is so sad, because no matter what is happening in the world, not only is there hope…
There is also enormous opportunity.
Hear me out here…
Think about it…
In reality, we live in a world that is day and night, winter and summer, good and bad, joyful and tragic. Along with the light there are the shadows.
Yin and yang!
It’s always there…although for many of us, it may seem more yang at the moment…but is it?
Think about it! Apart from what has already been mentioned, what else has come out of this Covid-19 situation?
What are the opportunities?
Firstly, the fact that we are in lockdown means we have more time to build relationships with the people we live with. For most of us, that’s our families. When has there been a time where you could just BE with them. Cook dinner, talk, discuss, debate and play board and card games? I believe one day, we will look back at this time with fondness.
By the way… I am not saying that it’s all roses. There may be times where there will be arguments and disagreements, but overall, it’s an opportunity for families to really be together.
There is also more time for introspection, meditation and reading. More time to get to know yourself. More time to rethink what is happening for you in your life and if it’s really what you want. More time to reassess what is really important to you.
It’s also an opportunity to do the things around the house that you really want to do and that will bring you joy, but just didn’t have time for in the past due to hectic life schedules. For example, organising your photos and as you do so, appreciating all the wonderful memories you have made so far in your life. Or reorganising your wardrobe and seeing what you no longer need so you can donate it to others who may make better use of those items. Remember, decluttering can be quite cathartic too! Ask Marie Kondo!
And…what if when all this is over and we are on the other side and the world has changed forever? What if it evolves into something so much better for the economy, the people and the environment?
What if…?
So… what are YOU focussing on?
The negativity of the crisis? Or the opportunities?
You can make a choice and put your focus and attention on all the amazing opportunities that are present at this time.
Remember that your mindset is responsible for 80% of your success in anything and only 20% is due to your skills and resources. Tony Robbins talk about this in many of his interviews. Improving your mindset will be the most helpful at this time.
So how do you improve your mindset so you can see opportunities at this time while in lockdown?
I will take you a few steps:
- Recognise that you are stressed and anxious. Make it okay. They are normal human feelings that need to be acknowledged. Sit down, take a deep breath and be with these feelings. Where are they in your body? Does it have a shape and colour? Continue to breathe and sit with it for at least 5 minutes. Notice how it changes as you allow it to be.
- Only listen to the news for a few minutes to catch up with what’s happening…and then turn it OFF. There is constant drama and negativity on all day long it’s not good for your mental health.
- Have a routine for your day. Considering that we can’t change the global uncertainty or what’s happening, we can change the personal certainty of what we can do in a day. Focus on what you can control.
- Now, think about all the things you like to do at home. Meditation, reading a good book, having a bath, watching great shows on TV and schedule them into your daily routine.
- Exercise! Schedule this into your day too. Whether it be to dance to your favourite music or follow the workout on YouTube or run up and down the stairs. Our bodies are designed to move and it will release endorphins which help you to feel good.
- Meditate! Finding moments of peace right now can be a challenge right now, but meditation is one of the best things you can do. Schedule this in too!
- Practise gratitude. List 5 things each day that you are thankful for.
- Read Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. This will demonstrate to you the importance of the power of the mind in difficult situations.
- Make two lists and write 5 answers for both.
- What can I do right now to make this situation as positive as possible?
- When this is over, what will I do to celebrate? (This will remind you that this too will end).
- Download the gift I created for you. The Anxiety and Stress Buster! It will help to alleviate the stress and anxiety you may be feeling. It’s FREE and it works! I have had some great feedback! Here is the link!
You’re welcome!
About The Author - Gina Mitchell
Gina Mitchell, best-selling author, midlife expert, certified coach, NLP and Matrix master practitioner and hypnotherapist, stands for women being empowered and owning their own lives while going through midlife and menopause. Gina is the founder and CEO of Midlife Coaching for Women. She has been supporting her clients to reach their goals since 2011. Her niche is coaching women over 40 because of her own challenges with midlife and menopause. She is not okay with the fact that many women suffer and struggle through this stage of life and beyond. She wrote a #1 best-selling book about female midlife relationships called ‘Ignite the Spark’. Gina’s mission to help midlife women live their true potential comes from over 35 years as a scientist and science teacher. Her other passions include her family, pet cats, travel, advocating for animal rights and the environment. ‘Not just surviving menopause and midlife …..but thriving’ - Gina Mitchell