You might think that being a successful salon owner, I’m not experiencing the effects of COVID. I’m here to tell you, that’s not true. Just like you, I’ve been impacted (not only on a business level but also personally).
As part of my beautiful Allure community, I want you to know; you’re not alone. The difference between those who thrive (not necessarily financially), are the ones who have prioritised their wellbeing.
If you’ve felt less motivated, frustrated, or experiencing a sense of hopelessness with the current events — even if you’ve been thriving — energetically we’re all impacted on some level.
I’ve outlined a handful of self-care tips to support you to feel more joyful and inspired throughout COVID.
Mindset
Focus on what you can control. This includes where you place your attention. Whatever you give your focus to grows, so make sure you’re taking time to appreciate what is ‘good’ or ‘right’ in your life. You can’t control things like the economy, job security, or the virus itself — trying to is futile. Shift your perspective and notice how quickly your mood lifts.
Don’t ignore your emotions. Emotions are there for a reason: to be expressed. If you’re holding back how you truly feel about a situation, it’s going to eat you up inside. If you do that for years, it then manifests in your body as disease, ailments or sickness. Talk to a friend, counsellor, or someone you trust about whatever you’re going through. Expressing how you feel in that moment can be the very thing that turns your day around.
Move your body. Regardless of whether you’re in lockdown (you’re in our thoughts Melbourne) with outdoor restrictions, you can move your body. It could be a home workout, a dance-off in your living room, some air squats or lifting milk bottles. Doing some form of movement that gets your heart rate up will increase endorphins and help you shake off the cabin fever.
Do activities that make you feel alive, happy and uplift you. That could be taking a walk, meditation, reading a book, watching a romance flick, playing a board game with friends or family or calling a dear friend. You might give yourself an at-home hair treatment or apply a face mask — or take a soak in the tub with your favourite tunes (if that’s your thing). Whatever lights you up. Do more of that. Why? It brings you into a relaxed state. It promotes peacefulness. Both impact your thoughts and feelings.
Protect your mental wellbeing
Take a break from the news and/or social media when feeling bombarded with coronavirus updates. You don’t have to be across the news every-single-day. The news you need to know will find you. Give yourself a time limit if you do want to stay informed. Read, listen or watch updates from reputable media platforms only.
Surround yourself with people who energise you. Spend time with those who remind you about what’s good in the world. Protect your space.
No one knows how long this will last, so let’s embrace where we are (as best as we can) and take actions that nourish and nurture our mind, body and spirit.
