7 Ways to Stay Shiny in a Shitstorm

I debated this title for a while. It’s far from conventional. But hey, this is 2020 - what is conventional anymore!? Plus, the title does include a lot of alliteration…and I do really like alliteration!

I’m not going to waste time by regurgitating the many factors that have contributed to making this year (oh hang on…is it only June?) quite so spectacularly shit. If you’ve dared to read the news recently, I’m fairly sure you’re already au fait with the factors. So, we’re just going to get straight to the shiny stuff!

Of course, there’s all the obvious advice ‘Eat plenty of fruit and veg’, ‘Do your daily exercise’, ‘Drink lots of water’ but what I want to talk about is my personal toolkit which is pretty well equipped to help me, and now hopefully you, to stay as positive as possible. Here we go:

1. Understand that uncertainty is unsettling

I’ve found it all too easy to worry about one thing, which has led to me worrying about something else, which then reminds me of that other thing that I also need to worry about...and so on. When this happens, I remind myself of gravity to bring me back down to earth. “Can I change or influence this?” is an important question to ask when worrying about something. If the answer is “No” then it’s like gravity and there’s no need to spend precious time and energy worrying about it. Instead focus on what you CAN change to make yourself shiny. Just take one day at a time.

2. Be mindful about mindset

It’s amazing that depending on what frame of mind you are in, how differently you view the same situation. But how do you get yourself into a positive frame of mind to begin with? Gratitude is an easy and effective way! By focusing on what we’re grateful for, we sharpen our attention to the good in our lives and it helps us appreciate what we usually take for granted. Before you go to bed ask yourself these questions:

1. What have you done today to make someone else’s day better?
2. What did someone else do to make your day better?
3. What did you learn today?
4. What are you grateful for today?

It’s amazing how you start to notice the little things in your life – being able to get all the ingredients you need for a meal, a surprise phone call from a friend, SUNSHINE! You can either just think about your answers, or jot them down in a notebook. I’ve been doing this since lockdown began (ironically in my unused travel journal!), and I’m already thinking how wonderful it will be to look back on my recorded shininess in years to come.

3. Create a cheerful checklist

Put pen to paper about what activities make you SO happy, you shine. Do something nice for yourself. Do something nice for someone else. They don’t need to be big things (for example, one of mine is brushing my teeth…that minty freshness!). By writing them down, it’s easy to remind yourself how to smile if it does feel like the storm is gathering strength.

4. Whilst I’m listing a list about lists

I do love a list! Do you ever get to the end of the day, and despite not having stopped, ask yourself “What did I actually achieve today?” Having a checklist with easily attainable goals can help create the momentum you need to tackle more difficult tasks. For example, my list from today begins:

• Drink 1 glass of water
• Have a shower
• Get dressed
• Eat breakfast (including what I am going to make)
• Do the dishes etc.

Not only can this help to achieve bigger goals by starting off the day with a few automatic wins, but I’m forming healthy habits, and if the day (for whatever reason) is less productive than I would have liked, I can still look back on a largely checked off list of tasks that gives me a sense of achievement or productivity. And, you guessed it, a sense of gratitude. Off I go to bed, feeling shiny, and ready to take on the next day.

5. Connection is key

You don’t need to be an extrovert for people to make you shiny. Relationships are more important than ever right now. We need people to talk to, to share how we’re coping, or more importantly, how we’re not! Whether they are friends, family, colleagues, professional counsellors, know that other people will have shared the same emotions that you are experiencing. But also, we need our people…FOR THE FUN! Which leads me nicely on to…

6. Plans are paramount

Have things to look forward to. Make plans. Put them in your diary. And stick to them. If you’re getting bored of virtual quizzes, here’s a few ideas of what you can plan with your friends, family and colleagues:

• Organise a boardgame session - Catan and Ticket to Ride both have great apps that are not expensive at all. JackBox TV is a bit more of an investment but totally worth it in my eyes. There are also virtual murder mystery games (fancy dress encouraged!), virtual escape rooms, the list goes on…
• Need fitness motivation? Virtual exercise class! Don the lycra and have a go at being Mr Motivator. Or there are plenty of free videos on YouTube – simply screenshare.
• Do a virtual cooking class – take turns to teach each other your favourite recipes. Or be adventurous together and try new dishes from around the world.
• Is it someone’s birthday? Plan a virtual party. And I mean PARTY! Invitations, decorations, dress code, games, music, drinks, food. Go all out…why not?

Your social life will be busier than ever, and the smile shining from your face!

And finally,

7. Climb aboard the Corona-Coaster

Anybody else clinging on right now?

“Covid cases are decreasing”, “I waved at my neighbour on the balcony”, “I’ve nailed the Greg’s steak bake”, Clickety clack, clickety clack, up I go…

“PHONE REMINDER: Flight to London Heathrow.” “UPDATE: Flight to London Heathrow cancelled”, Whooooooooosh…down I plummet.

Whilst on some days I feel like I’m adjusting to ‘the new normal’, on others I feel like I abso-fucking-lutely am NOT! And what I want you to know, is that it’s okay NOT TO BE OKAY. Nobody is shiny all of the time. If we were, we would burn out very quickly.

If you take just 1 thing away with you having read this, you’ve made my day. 2 things, that’s me happy for a week. Any more than that, then maybe, just maybe, we will get through 2020 together, shinier than ever!

If you would like to talk more about mental health, wellness, my inappropriate swearing on a professional platform (don’t tell my mother!), my amazing alliteration abilities (do tell my mother!)…anything really - please do just get in touch via messenger.

Do you have any useful shiny advice to share? Pop it in the comments below!