Building good relationships during difficult times – 2021 lockdown!
Updated: Apr 26, 2021
All those things we would do if only we had time! And suddenly – we have TIME!! But nothing is ‘normal’.
Normal life is on hold. We are working from home, the kids are being schooled at home, we can only go out once a day. WHAT IS GOING ON???
We have been catapulted into a new and very different world! So how do we make the best of things? At a time when we are being bombarded with so many different ideas, it is important to make your own path. You are unique and so are your kids. There is not one ‘magic’ answer. We all need to make our own way through this season. It is not a time to try and be anyone else! Find what works for you and your family. I would like to suggest a couple of things that might help.
LOOKING AFTER YOU
On an aircraft, during the safety announcement you are told if the pressure in the cabin drops and you need to use the masks, the most important thing to do is put your own mask on before helping anyone else. At this time when there are so many pressures to meet everyone else’s needs, I encourage you to look after yourself. If you sink, that wont help anyone. It is not selfish. Looking after yourself is one of the best things you can do for you and your family.
We know it isn’t easy and lots of the things you might usually do to keep yourself topped up might not be available, so here are a few suggestions but I am sure you can think of some better ones!
Time For Me
A few suggestions of ways to look after yourself when in lockdown
1 minute
Go into the garden or open the window
Take 10 deep breaths
Use some relaxation techniques
Make yourself a drink
Text a friend
Put on your favourite song
5 minutes
Treat yourself to a special drink – nice coffee or tea with a biscuit
Catch up on social media
Text or phone a friend
Have an ice cream
30 minutes
Sit in the garden, on your balcony, or by the window
Have a shower, bath or a foot soak
Do some meditation or relaxation exercises
Read
Listen to some music
Watch your favourite programme
Do some craft
A couple of hours
Have a nap
Enjoy a relaxing bath – with nice bubbles and maybe a candle!
Go for your daily walk
Watch a film
Play a game
Have a pamper evening
Do something creative – drawing, journaling, write a poem, plant some seeds, knitting, crochet, colouring etc
DISCOVERING AND SPEAKING YOUR FAMILIES LOVE LANGUAGE
We love our families more than anything else
in this world! However being together 24/7 with none of the usual distractions can be a challenge!! How do we make the best of this time?
I recommend you visit Gary Chapmans web page www.5lovelanguages.com
Gary lists the 5 ways we all feel love :-
Physical Touch
Words of Affirmation
Quality time
Gifts
Acts of Service
On the web page there are free quizzes for all the family to find out your love languages.
The books are full of practical tips of how to use this knowledge to improve family relationships - I total recommend them.
I hope and your family will enjoy the process!
Best wishes during lockdown!
Jane Carey