Make the #Last90Days of 2020 count
The weather is on the turn, the mornings are dark making me want to hit snooze multiple times over. The air has a chill in it, making me want to wrap up and consume huge amounts of comfort food to insulate myself. The trees are sucking up their chlorophyll, turning leaves orange and yellow before they drop. This coupled with the fact that 2020 has pretty much been a write off due to Coronavirus lockdown and ever changing national and regional guidance limiting what we can do, who we can spend time with and how much loo roll we can buy in the shops.
There is now talk about us having a long hard winter ahead. Unable to book winter sun getaways, no trips to see Santa in his grotto or drink mulled wine at Winter Wonderland before being thrown around on the dodgems. No Christmas parties or pantos to look forward to. It is all pretty depressing. So how can we make the last 90 days count?
#Last90Days is built on the belief that we can finish the last three months of the year stronger than we started it. 2020 was a year none of us expected. What if we could prepare ourselves for a fabulous year ahead by entering it in tiptop physical and mental shape. There are still three months left of 2020. Let’s choose to finish this radically different year better than we entered it.
So what’s the plan to make the #Last90Days count?
In times of change and uncertainty it is important to work towards fulfilling our potential. Psychotherapist and author Julia Bradbury describes in her book “This Too Shall Pass” eight pillars of strengths. Why not choose one to focus on each week?
Relationship with oneself This influences every other relationship we have in life and it is central to our wellbeing.
o You could keep a journal, or start a “morning pages” practice.
o Develop an attitude for gratitude.
o Become more self compassionate in tough times
Relationship with others Relationships require investment, self knowledge, commitment and time. Which relationship could you strengthen throughout the #Last90Days?
o Could you communicate more honestly?
o Could you spend more time listening and talking?
o Can you create some time for fun or play?
Managing emotions We can’t control what we feel, however the more we are aware of our feelings, the more we can protect ourselves from letting them take over
o Practice delayed gratification
o Find outlets for feelings that are healthy as opposed to shouting or substances
o Use HALT - Hungry, Angry, Lonely Tired before you act
o Remember that feelings are not facts
Time How we spend our days is how we spend our lives. Be conscious about how you spend the #Last90Days
o Be mindful and focus on the present
o Pause to do nothing
o Do more of what brings you joy
MindBody Mind and body are completely interconnected. It is important to recognise what we allow into our mind has a profound influence on our emotions.
o Be aware of what you watch or listen to
o Cardiovascular exercise is a fast track route to destress our body.
o Relaxation exercises built into the day.
Limits Are you aware of your limits or do you battle to do what you’ve always done?
o Learn how to say no
o Introduce boundaries e.g. between work & home or time on your own
o Pause to listen to what your body is telling you
Structure helps stabilise and make us feel safe. In times of challenge we may need to shore up the scaffolding. Develop good habits such as…
o Exercise a few times each week. Get your steps in.
o Nourishing morning rituals such as savouring the first cuppa, yoga, visualisation
o Choosing to do calming things
o Intentionally engaging in work or chores
o Ensuring you get good sleep
Focusing Our minds can ruminate on what we can’t change or the negative, This can leave us feeling frustrated or anxious. Focusing concentrates the sensations in the body and finds words for feelings.
o Close your eyes
o Breathe deeply
o Move your attention inwards
By pledging to participate in this challenge, you’re reclaiming the way you say goodbye to 2020.
Leave a comment to let me know what your intentions are for the #Last90Days