Processing Frustration + Fear (Covid-19)

Essentially this for my fellow Victorian's... but wherever you are in Australia, or around the world, you may find also value in this message.

I am feeling Victoria's collective frustration at our state government and the people in question who did certain things during the COVID-19's first lock down which has now prolonged our experience and thrown us into a wave 2.

I have connected with so many new women on my social channels and email list since the beginning of COVID-19 back in March. I am grateful for the opportunity to add value in my pocket of the world when I can with the knowledge I have on how to process negative emotions.

Anger and frustration at our external world brings up a lot of anxiety as the worry bubbles up wondering "how long will this will go on"?!

I know the turn of events this week in Melbourne are likely causing you stress, it is hard not to be consumed by the bad news and social media coverage. 

This is your reminder: We’ve gotten through ISO before - we can do it again!

​If you are like me, and have been feeling all the feels this week as we move into this 6 weeks of ISO... then I want to share with you the simple tools I use to help when the fear and frustration hits:

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1. Stop checking the stats + #’s every morning when you wake up
2. Minimise your news/social media time - IF it is causing you angst! Be intentional with what you watch. Just tap in for 10 mins a day. Or, even better - I ask my husband to relay it to me what I need to know. 
3. Get outside - even though it is winter, grey and cold and gloomy – making a pact with yourself to get fresh air, even if its miserable and wet. This will help you immensely!
4. Call your people - stay connected, check in on your friends and loved ones, keep the channels open
5. Random acts of kindness will fill your cup - I cooked a big pot of veggie soup the other day and dropped a tub off with a loaf of bread on a friends doorstep who had been unwell. It gave ME purpose, and HER some soup cooked with love :)
6. Share your feelings with someone - and if you need to reach out for professional help, there is ALWAYS some to talk to. I'll post the links to Beyond Blue and Lifeline AA and Al-Anon hotlines below.
7. Positive Affirmations + Mantra's – reprogram your mindset with positive language - when you start to spiral use this mantra:
8.                                  "I am healthy. I am safe."
9. Remember to breathe - if you do get triggered stop and use 3 deep breaths, inhale and exhale using your full diaphragm to bring you back into the present. 
10. You can control your mind! Flick the switch to stop the negative loop. Your mind is a powerful tool. Ask yourself “Is this real?"
11. Shifting the emotions with support - Calm Pro.M.Emo Essence is a natural herb essence I use for calming my body response to fear and frustration. Click the Promemo link for more info

Lastly, this too shall pass!

We’ve seen other Australian states do it and New Zealand! They are showing us what is possible.

We can too!