Choosing your Emotional PPE
We all know what Personal Protective Equipment means now we’ve been exposed to the Coronavirus. We accept wearing suitable protection as the norm in both our everyday interactions and in high-risk situations.
The circumstances of our exposure affects the level of precautions we take. The items we wear are designed to form a barrier between our physical body and our environment. We take this as common behaviour now.
Perhaps it’s not too disrespectful to apply the analogy of PPE to how we might protect ourselves from emotional instability and discomfort.
Most of us rattle through our day unprepared for the emotional upsets that come along. We enter into conversations with our guard down and our hearts open. And whilst we should approach life with enthusiasm and energy, we should also start our day with some ground rules for our personal well-being.
Having a daily morning routine sets us up for success and allows us to map out our strategy for the day.
So how do you start yours? Do you roll out of bed ill-refreshed and alert, or trudge through with trepidation? Or are you somewhere in-between?
A morning ritual gets you in the mood for the day and gives you a greater chance of keeping your equilibrium when the #### hits the fan!
So what kind of routine might you start to consider?
A period of quiet reading perhaps, affirmations, a meditation, going for a jog, journal writing or prayer?
Don’t be shy of trying a few options to see what fits with your day and lifestyle.
- What would bring you best results?
- What might fit your morning?
- Might you need to rise earlier to fit something in?
- Can you commit to your chosen daily practice?
- How long do you have available to prepare your mind, body and spirit?
- What activities would help you set yourself up for the day?
If you know you’re going to do a morning routine each day, you can anticipate what you might say to yourself.
What tasks lie ahead of you? What’s on your mind as you rise?
Perhaps a quick ‘high five’ in the mirror will remind you of your strength and value.
A 5 minute meditation might allow your thoughts to come and go without ‘sticking’.
That 10 minute walk or jog could give you the time and space you need to boost your energy and connection.
Don’t expect a routine to establish itself seamlessly. There might well be some hiccups, missed clock ins, resistance etc. and you may need to give yourself a gentle talking to re-affirm your why in choosing an emotional PPE routine.
Remember, it’s all to give you some mental strength in handling your day.
Planning a routine, and setting yourself up for success in this way will let you know you’re starting out in as best a shape as possible.
You’ll be your own cheerleader, protecting yourself from the barbs of others’ behaviours.
Knowing you start from a place of strength and self-belief will be your emotional armour, a cordon of personal protection that pushes you forward through the knocks and setbacks.
So start to think what routine might work for you. Start small to build a habit. And then look back and review how 15 minutes preparation (or so) has grown your resilience and eased your levels of stress.