Hello my friends! Well, a lot has changed in the world since the last time I wrote! For some, it has been the first or second week of isolation and social distancing; for others, they have been fully immersed in the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic - at the hospital, medi-clinic, grocery store, manufacturing facility of essential supplies, or special care home.

At a time when we are getting so much amazing information from the World Health Organization, the Center for Disease Control, and our federal and provincial governments, we might feel some comfort. But sometimes, we can feel uncertain or anxious. We might be anxious about what we are supposed to do or what we can’t, what might happen next or will I be ok?

So, as the experts figure out all of that and we listen carefully, we also know that ultimately, this will pass. At some point, we will look back and see some of the great changes that took place during this time and because of this time. Chaos isn’t just an opportunity for change but also an invitation for something to change. But for right now, I have compiled some of my favorite go-to tips, the ones I am practicing right now, for staying calm and active in the face of all of this. We can look around in the world at who to blame or watch what others should be doing and aren’t. OR, we can focus on what we CAN control…and help ourselves during this time, so we come out stronger than ever when it passes!

Here they are…my favorite tips to stay calm and in action in the face of disruption, chaos or crisis…and feel like I am doing something:

This is a powerful way to tell your brain that you are in a peaceful place even if your circumstances or our world events do not seem peaceful.

Then focus on just ONE of those things.  Finishing or following through on just one thing feels good and makes you wonder…hmmm, what else can I do?  Then you might just do that!

Maybe that is a walk with the dog, a bike ride, a run, a free fitness class on line (MOSSA is offering at motionfitnesssaskatoon.ca).

Never underestimate the power of movement in your life – it improves your brain function, circulation, breathing, mobility, strength!

Vitamin FA and S are plentiful at this time of year…and very powerful in aiding in digestion, improved immunity, lower blood pressure, anxiety, depression!

Skype, Zoom, the old telephone conversation to stay in touch and laugh, have virtual drinks, play games and LAUGH! 

This aids in absolutely everything!

I like a mix of information in the morning and early evening, and then disconnecting from media during the day and especially before bed.  Try it!

Smile at a passerby, say a kind word, send a thoughtful message, send a virtual hug, drop off some food or baking on their doorstep.

Reading, looming, gaming, knitting, puzzles, playing games, painting, building something, experiments, coloring pages, cooking, baking, crafts, music, sewing, cleaning even!

I love being clean and I especially love when my clothes are fresh… right out of the dryer is amazing!

The stores have a lot of fruits, veggies and nuts, try them! Or make a new recipe of cookies that you have always wanted to make. 

My favorite meditation app, HeadSpace, now has a free offer!  Check it out on your playstore – Apple or Android.

Check out if your church is livestreaming (mine is, woohoo!)

Write down what you are doing now, how you are feeling, plans for when the pandemic passes…because it will!  Create a schedule for what you will do during the day. 

If you are normally a scheduled person, and most of us are, it will help you stay in action and feel like you are getting things done!  But…be gentle on yourself and allow for modifications!

Keep it dark, relax before bed with a bath, book, cuddle, music, your favorite tea, fuzzy socks.

Please keep your 2M distance from everyone else unless absolutely necessary. We will absolutely slow the spread if we do this!

Pray for those in essential services who can’t keep their distance right now. Let’s commit to do our part…we are better (virtually) together! Every day, we get to decide if something is going to be a gift or a burden in our lives (Dr. Sean Stephenson) so let’s let our actions today, be a gift to ourselves first…and then to others (me - Nicholle Povhe!)