Well what interesting times! We at Qi Teas are looking forward to when we are looking back on these strange times and hopefully remembering the good things that we experienced and learned from these undoubtedly tough times.
It is safe to say that all of our worlds have been shaken up. Lots of change has been forced upon us, and rightly so.
We have seen lots of information, some true, some stretching the truth. This can overload our senses and make what is already a daunting experience even worse.
We have found some amazing ideas to help you through.
Let’s talk about some things that can help your mind, body and soul:
Let’s talk about food. Is there a dish you have always wanted to make but haven’t had the time? Maybe you fancy being experimental? Now that the “stockpiling” has seemingly slowed, get your ingredients and make the most of it. Try something new. Cooking with love has always been a cathartic experience and why not try that yummy recipe you haven't had time to try?
“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” – C.S. Lewis. Never a truer word spoken! Make a cup, or pot of your favourite tea and grab that book! Make time for you, dive into the world of fiction or whatever genre floats your boat. Healthy disassociation from the outside world is never a bad thing. Remember, travel is never restricted through literature.
Take up a new hobby. Hand lettering, bullet journalling, blogging, cross stitch, photography and more are perfect tools for mindfulness. That time taken will occupy your mind in a healthy, constructive way... like a hug for your soul.
Pinterest can be an amazing way to learn new things, it is super simple to use too!
Yoga. What a wonderful way to improve your flexibility, ups your heart rate, drops your blood pressure and increases those all important serotonin and endorphin levels. You can see more benefits here in Yoga Journal. There are hundreds of Youtube videos, books and more for very beginners up to full blown Yoga experts. You don’t need a lot of room, your living room is fine. Maybe even try Power Yoga if you like something a litter faster paced. Have you got your children in self isolation with you? No problem there is Cosmic Yoga on Youtube especially for children!
Make a list of the things you have learnt during these times. This is all part of our journey. One of our Qi Teas Team has their list on their fridge and adds to it every time she thinks of something. Some of her examples are - The NHS is amazing | Embracing the lack of routine helps the mind | Missing people you love is healthy | There are more heroes in this situation than there are villains
Limit your social media time. Our news feeds are flooded with memes, incorrect information, negative news and more. Don’t allow yourself to get sucked into the social media frenzy. Remember ‘shares' aren’t facts.
Lean about Meditation...there are some great apps, Youtube channel and more all helping you learn how to meditate, even for newbies! Two of our team use the Calm app. It is a great way of switching off your brain.
Make a family ‘to do’ jar. Get a clean empty jar, and start writing the things you miss doing or wish you could do now, and pop them in the jar. Every member of your household can take part, or if you are self isolating add your own. For example “I wish I was at the seaside”. When this is all done and dusted, make the effort to complete each one of the ‘wishes’ writing the date of completion on the reverse. We plan on keeping our ‘wish filled’ jars for a memory of the time.
Finally, remind yourself that it is ok to feel like you are mourning your life before Covid-19. It is ok to feel worried. Remember, as long as you are doing your very best to social distance and stay home, you are doing the right thing.
There is always a silver lining.
Take care and stay safe Qi Tea lovers.
The Qi Teas Team