What advice can I give that I have learned so far?

As the enormity of the coronavirus unfolded last week I’ve been trying to write an article for my magazine,  however I just couldn’t find the words to describe the rollercoaster of the last week until now.

For the last 14 years I’ve been publishing wellbeing articles, however knowing which health advice to give and share has been hard, and to be honest I really don’t know.

I know what I’m supposed to do to look after my health. I’ve read all the books on how to stay calm, what to eat, how to exercise, then suddenly out of the blue a panic attack takes place. Paranoia at every ache and pain, a feeling so overwhelming it feels like grief.

Grief for a loss of normality and at times this has felt like death itself.

I feel fear for those that aren’t taking this seriously, sadness for all those that have lost something, a friend, a family member, a business, their job. And admiration for those who are working night and day to get us safely through this.

My emotions come like the waves during a giant storm. One minute I’m up, thinking about all the opportunities we now have. Time to spend with my husband and daughter, an opportunity to learn new things, no early morning alarm calls and hectic school runs and time to take stock of what’s important. Then the next minute I come crashing down, drowning in feelings of confusion, despair, frustration and anger.

I have lacked focus, spending time trying to decide whether to listen to the news, scroll through social media, or vacuum the house so that I have something to take my mind off things.

My mind has been racing in the early hours of the morning, not knowing how long I will be confined to my home, if there will be food on my table in a couple of weeks or a business to run in a few months time. These are all things I never thought I would have to worry about, and certainly not all at once.

The reality of the situation is different for everyone, there is no right answer about what advice or article I should share on Wellbeing. I always wanted the platform to support everyone regardless of their state of health. It is a platform to inform, inspire and educate everyone about the body, mind, home and working environment.

I always hope that something I share or write would resonate or help someone make a lifestyle change or new health decision. So I will continue to share as much information as I can in the hope that an article may help you navigate the coming months.  I hope that you come out healthier, stronger and happier.

So with only a couple of weeks into this strange new world, what advice can I give that I have learned so far?

Stay at home, stay safe, call and talk to those you love. Share how you are feeling.  It is ok to feel overwhelmed and a sense of grief, because we have all lost something. But continue to feel gratitude for what you do have, breathe in the fresh air each morning and focus on what you can do for someone else. Support your friends and family by being there to really listen, don’t be greedy and selfish but live with compassion for those around you.

I have no doubt that the world will be a better place after this and that we will come out stronger, knowing who we are and what we want.  But for now I think it’s OK to feel confused, don’t rush the process just take each day as it comes.

After all it is grief we are feeling. Live for the present, not the past or the future… just live for today.