Wise words in a confusing time...

Today I got sent an email from a friend of mine, that I thought was worth sharing:

Given the fear currently being generated worldwide, I just wanted to send an email with some information to help ensure you are best placed to navigate these challenging times in a good and healthy way.

First and foremost do not buy in to the fear and do not get caught up in the hysteria and negativity. Whatever your circumstances, fear does not serve a purpose. Your existence is what you focus on so be mindful of what you take in. It's simply not necessary to indulge in this beyond staying aware of the developments the news is presenting to us. 

So, the Government recommendations include:

• Self isolation
• Only to go out if necessary
• Distance yourself from people
• Avoid crowded areas
• Wash your hands frequently

When communicated in this way and when worded as such, these can be intimidating suggestions that trigger fear, anxiety and panic.

I'd like to offer a revised way to look at things:

Use the time at home to connect with your family and yourself.

This is a time to slow down and appreciate how abundant we actually are. If you've food on your plate, water in your cup, a roof over your head and people that love you then you are richer than you may realise. We take so much of life for granted. Maybe this is a time to reconnect to what really matters?

Use this period to spend more time in nature.

We are not separate from the natural world as much as it may seem like it at times. We carry the weight of our lives everywhere with us and time in nature can help us relieve the load. To see things in a way we don't when we are caught among the density, helping us to appreciate the simple things. Furthermore it's great for your health and immunity to spend time in what is actually our natural environment.

Spend time with friends.

I know we've been told to avoid people but unless anyone you are spending time with is significantly immunocompromised then this is a fantastic time to catch up with the people you want to spend time with when you are working 40hrs + a week.

Use a suitable hand sanitiser.

https://kiscience.com/product/hocl/ - This product will sanitise your hands (and whatever else you want to use it for) without stripping the beneficial bacteria on your skin. Conventional sanitisers are not ideal.

Take all mainstream media information with a pinch of salt.

Media ratings are driven by delivering 'shocking' news. The information is coming so fast that there's no time to fact check anything so there is a lot of misinformation flying around. Treat this the same way you would any circulating illness. Be mindful and take responsibility of what you do have control over in an assured way.

There is no need to panic.

Credit: Alex Crossan / Crossan Nutrition / crossannutrition.com