Building Personal Resilience in Lockdown

Personal resilience requires a sense of self-worth, self-esteem and self-belief.  It requires a good support network from those who are understanding. It needs the ability to cope with change – each day is different in lockdown.  Every day we feel different, and every day can throw the unexpected at us.
Self Esteem
Self-esteem comes from an understanding of who we are.  It also comes from an acceptance of ourselves, just the way we are right now.  We are perfect in our imperfection.  Give yourself permission to fail but at the same time, be accountable for that decision.
Support Networks
A good support network is essential during lockdown.  We are social animals, and a lack of social interaction has a massive impact on mental health, our wellbeing, our eating and drinking habits and on our physical wellbeing. Both extroverts and introverts need to be in touch with people for work and social purposes.
Give and Take
There is joy in making someone else happy.  That might mean ensuring someone else has time for themselves, giving an act of kindness, or spending time with someone in need of company (in person or remotely).  Not only will they feel happier, but you will feel happier too.  Spend time with people who make you feel better and avoid toxic people who make you feel bad about yourself or bring out the worst in you.
Let It Go
When many aspects of our lives are beyond our control due to lockdown restrictions, it is common to exert more control in other areas of our life.  Decide what is really important to have control over and be more relaxed about the things that are not.  Take a deep breath and let it go.  It will help to keep things in perspective.
TOP LOCKDOWN SURVIVAL TIPS

1. You know yourself better than anyone else. Listen to intuition.
2. Imperfect is the New Perfection.  Be Imperfect.
3. Give yourself permission to fail – recognise your limits, recognise that you are not perfect.
4. Ask for Support when you need it.
5. Be committed to Your self-care.  Self-care takes hard work and commitment, but you deserve it.
6. Put boundaries in place – It will make your self-care easier.
7. Play to your strengths – Do the things that you do best.
8. Choose your battles. Don’t make a problem bigger than it really is.
9. Be kind to yourself.
10. Recognise your best time – if you are not a morning person, don’t force yourself to do Exercise first thing.  Just because someone else does it, does not mean it is right for you.

© Jane Phillips Coaching