This fabulous guest blog about keeping a positive attitude was sent in by a Mumbler Nana- Linda Oldridge. Here she shares her advice about maintaining a positive attitude.
Easier said than done ?
We are being bombarded on an almost hourly basis, with all the awful predictions surrounding Covid 19 ( Coronavirus )- school closures, panic buying, awful economic forecasts , self isolation and cancelled holidays to name just a few.
How easy it would be to fall into a downward spiral of doom and gloom. Of course it’s serious and of course it would be foolish not to take all reasonable precautions to keep yourself and your family safe BUT it IS possible to make the best of a bad job and even to get a bonus FGF (Feel Good Factor)
If your travel plans are cancelled but your family are all healthy and not showing symptoms and we haven’t been told by official sources that we aren’t allowed to, take the time off anyway and have a “local” holiday. Visit and support local businesses and areas, particularly those (such as Hebden Bridge) where businesses have suffered terribly through the recent flooding. Most, by definition are by rivers and canals in beautiful areas for a day out and need as much help as possible to put their lives and livelihoods back on track.
FGF – Fresh air and boosting local economy
Plan ahead for possible isolation (better a plan not needed than a need not planned). I’m not suggesting bulk panic buying – that’s not needed (and indeed most supermarkets have today announced a limit of three similar items per customer) but it is sensible to prepare for long periods at home for you and your family. Make sure you have a selection of crafting materials,
( save all your recycling ) good books ( your local charity shops always have good,cheap selections) old fashioned family games and maybe simple cookery books – this can be a double whammy, let the children help with the cooking and then freeze the result for an emergency meal.
FGF – Helping local charity AND reducing landfill
Bring neighbourliness back into fashion. Do you know your neighbours ? If not, do what you can to change that. There may be older, vulnerable ones who are even more than usually
lonely ,another young mum struggling to keep her children entertained or even someone who may be able to help you out. You won’t know until you try and the positive effects may last much longer than the virus.
FGF – Reviving Community Spirit
Your child’s school will be closing from Friday ( apart from those children who are considered vulnerable and those who’s parents are in the vital services ) so, when the weather is good ,make your street or garden into a mini forest school, find, count and identify plants, trees, birds etc. Make a homemade mud kitchen, a bug hotel, build a shelter using a clothes airer or chairs and old sheet, light a small fire and make toast. Chalk out a hopscotch on a path, make a skipping rope from washing line – the possibilities are endless. In bad weather do baking or crafting and organise a mini exercise class , put on a play,organise a game of hide and seek and when you’ve run out of ideas,
switch on the TV or i- pad – it’s OK for you to have a break Note also that our wonderful National Trust have announced that all their sites will be open free of charge (including car parking) so, pack a picnic( cafes are closed ) and enjoy these fabulous places absolutely free! Please check for latest updates before you set off.
FGF – You’ll be making fabulous memories for your kids
No matter how positive your outlook, the prospect of job losses and financial difficulties weigh heavily but the important thing here is to be proactive. Look at if and where you can reduce your expenses. One big plus if you’re in isolation or on reduced hours is that you will have more time than usual. Use the extra hours to check that you’re getting the best deals on your household expenses, talk to your landlord or mortgage provider BEFORE problems occur to see how they can help . The government has already announced 3 month mortgage breaks and there is information still to come for renters so don’t despair. Look at areas where you can save , cancelling subscriptions, using up store-cupboard food ,selling unwanted toys, clothes etc online are just a few ideas.
FGF – You’re taking control
If you or one of your family do become infected, it’s important to remember that the vast majority of sufferers will experience symptoms no worse (and sometimes milder) than “ normal “ flu and will recover. It’s vitally important for your mental health & anxiety levels to keep a sense of perspective. By all means, plan for the worst, by making sure you have flu relief medicine, honey and lemon (makes a soothing cold relief drink when mixed with warm water or milk) but do hope for the best. If you don’t get infected ( or have only mild symptoms ) think of all the extra time you’ll have to do all those things you normally can’t get round to such as tidying the “ junk drawer “ ( we all have at least one !), sorting those old family photos into an album, finishing that knitting / sewing project, starting a new hobby. Modern life has lots to offer but it is very busy and most of us never have enough hours in the day so, make this enforced free time count – you’ll miss it when it’s gone.
FGF – No more guilt about the backlog of jobs.
Whilst a positive attitude can’t change what is happening, it CAN change how we feel and how we react to events. It is worth noting that the people who seem to be the most pragmatic are the very ones who the government and media are categorising as “ elderly and vulnerable “. Their life experiences have taught them that all things must pass and we should “ Keep Calm and Carry On “ Maybe they’ve got a point? Be sensible, be careful and be safe..
