It’s no secret this year has been full of uncertainty, fear and frustration. As a coach, I aim to support you on your journey toward achieving your goals and creating a life and career you love. In times like these that journey can feel overwhelming and unclear.

Despite the unknowns we’re all facing, there is hope for a brighter future. Ultimately, it’s where we choose to go from here, as we sit in the thick of the mess, that will determine our path moving forward. To help navigate this path, I’ve put together a list of my 5 recommendations for surviving and thriving in times of uncertainty.

My wish for you in the days and weeks ahead is to take these ideas and make them your own. Use them to cultivate a sense of peace in your home space, and more importantly, within yourself – your true home. I hope these tips empower you to take emotional and energetic control of your life and attitude toward what’s happening  so you can embrace the power within to shift and refocus.

BALANCE YOUR ENERGY

There’s frantic energy surrounding us right now, whether we are watching the news, job hunting again or feeling the financial and emotional strain of so many unknowns. It’s incredibly important to recognize how these emotions are manifesting. For me, anytime I feel stressed or emotionally drained it shows up in the form of sore throats, and I’ve had quite a few of them lately. During times of stress and strain it’s important to stay grounded. One of the ways I’ve been able to do this is through regular meditation; focusing on my breath. Balancing the frantic energy with calm energy can help center you and provide relief. These past few weeks, I’ve gotten back into my morning yoga and meditation routine. It sets the tone for my day by connecting with myself before logging online or starting any type of work. There have also been days where I meditate and refocus through midday meditation using my trusty Insight Timer app. Dane and I listen to sleep meditations nearly every night before we go to bed. It helps calm our minds and slow our breath to easily and effortlessly fall asleep. Regular meditation is a magical tool that helps calm your mind and process your emotions, and help control the ebb and flow of life.

PRACTICE SELF-CARE

I’ve leaned into self-care this year. I’m a firm believer that the more we slow down and connect with ourselves, the more powerful we become in guiding ourselves through trying times. Most people associate self-care with bubble baths, getting a massage, doing yoga, and going to the spa. The beauty of practicing self-care is that it can look different for each one of us. For some, self-care is journaling, cuddling on the couch with your furry friend, reading, painting, baking, cooking, swimming, going on a walk, going to see a movie, listening to your favorite record, going out to dinner, or even getting that tattoo you’ve wanted. Self-care is also asking for help, resting, talking to someone about your worries or successes. If it’s tending to the state of your body, mind and soul, it’s self-care. Before engaging in self-care, disengage from technology (unless, of course, self-care means connecting to an on-line therapist or having FaceTime with someone to talk). Log out of social media, turn off the news, put down your phone. Take time to be fully present. It’s amazing how often we distract ourselves from what we say we want to do by mindlessly scrolling the internet. This is your time to practice what it means to slow down and be fully present in your own life. Be still. Use all five senses. Be present in your self-care routine.

TAP INTO YOUR INNER CREATIVE

Time. It’s a commodity we seem to have a lot of right now. That won’t always be the case. Enjoy this time, and try something new! Think back a few weeks ago, before self-quarantine. Remember those days? What hobbies were you interested in trying? What was calling to you? Were you thinking about starting a new business? Switching careers? Learning a new language? There’s no time like the present to show up for your creative self. Embrace and lean into the time you’ve been given to create. And always remember, I’m here to help!

MAKE YOUR HOME “HYGGE”

“Hygge” is a Norwegian word that means mood or sense of comfort and coziness in the home or particular setting/space. Norweigen countries endure long, dark winters, so creating home environments with a sense of wellness and contentment is important. Practice hygge by decluttering and cleaning up your home to enhance the feeling of ease and wellness. Perhaps cleaning, decluttering and downsizing will allow you the physical and emotional space to hang a piece of artwork you’ve had sitting in its packaging for the past few months or repaint the bedroom walls.

CONNECT AND RECONNECT

Sometimes we are over connected by technology. While I loved technology in the beginning of home quarantine time, I’ve since felt the need to distance myself from it more as “Zoom” fatigue sets in. The importance of connecting with friends, family and loved ones as we move into the holidays is as important (if not more) than ever. In the end it’s up to you to listen to what your intuition is telling you – taking a technology-free day to detach and reconnect with your mind, body and soul or reaching out to FaceTime a friend.

Whatever that may be for you, know that I am here and ready to support you in your goals and dreams for the future you want to create! Thank you for being a part of this community and I hope we can connect soon.