I want to share this as a lot of us understandably feel afraid, confused, overwhelmed and uncertain at the moment.

I’m here to help, as I know you are.

First, wherever you are, I hope you and your loved ones are safe. 

I’m at home with Carl and our baby bump. We've cancelled upcoming social plans, family visits & I've cancelled this Sunday's Yoga & Mindset Retreat.

Based on the facts, we feel strongly that the most important step we can take is to stay home and stay well. We’re prepared to stay inside for as long as needed to help minimise the impact of this virus.

Thank you to all those who’ve been sharing positive information, advice and resources.

This post is here to share the best of this information and:

1. The positive stories about humanity right now. 

2. Practical resources to help you or someone you know.

3. Help in your valuable role as a giving & caring person to stay strong, so you can lead and stop any emotional spread of stress, fear, panic, and anxiety. 

I hope it’s helpful and might help anyone you know confused about how to best act right now.

clarity on physical distancing

Physical distancing seems the most crucial step we can take right now. If you’re not convinced on physical distancing, are worried about overreacting or going too far, or think this might not apply to you these resources share more context.

• The Maths Behind Why We Need Social Distancing

• This is Not a Snow Day

• Social Distance Game (see how many lives your level of social distancing can save)

• One Simple Chart Explains How Social Distancing Saves Lives

taking control of Coronavirus-Related Stress, Fear & Anxiety

When things feel out of control, the place to turn to is you. Stress is proven to lower our immune system, which impacts our health - which is the exact opposite of what we need right now. 

Cultivating a calmer, stronger, healthier mental state keeps your entire system strong and models qualities that others can really benefit from right now.

If you’re struggling with challenging feelings in and around you, try these:

• 2-minute S.O.S. meditation audio for overwhelm

• Short meditation videos to reset & move to resourcefulness

• 3 steps to finding your voice as a people-pleaser

• 5 steps to trusting your gut

Funny, Inspiring, and Feel-Good news

Research shows that laughing is proven to reduce stress and improve your health. Win win!

Good News Movement share feel-good news stories of people coming together, showing kindness & support to their fellow people.

StayING Active

Staying physically & mentally active and getting regular workouts is key to keep our immune system strong and our state of mind clear, calm, and stress-free. Here are a few resources to keep us moving, generously being shared for free at this time.

• DownDog App has made all their apps free until April 1st. You can choose from yoga, HIIT, Barre, and 7-minute workouts. 

• Glo is offering free online yoga, meditation and pilates workouts tailored for stress & anxiety. 

• Yoga with Adriene has amazing free yoga classes on YouTube, and suits all abilities and needs.

• Ashleigh Sergeant teaches beautiful yoga practices to calm & strengthen the mind. She’s sharing her online classes for free for the next few days.

Staying Emotionally Connected & helping others

We’re lucky to have technology these days that offers countless ways to stay connected while physically distancing.

• NextDoor is a great way that we connect with our neighbours. You can connect with others, check in on those around you, and find out how you can help. There are also handy tips on where to find items that are out of stock in the supermarkets.

• Facetime, Skype, and Zoom hangouts are perfect right now for 1:1 or group catch ups. 

• Netflix Parties. This Chrome plugin lets you watch your favourite Netflix show alongside others.  

• This blog post by a cancer survivor who spent 9 months self-isolating last year shares great tips on how to stay happy, healthy, and connected to the people you love.

financial help and rights for U.K. Nationals

The government announced a range of extra support and measures to help workers, benefit claimants and businesses affected by coronavirus. Here’s the summary at Gov.UK.

And here’s a summary from Money Saving Expert for the self-employed and as an employee.

And support with mortgages, rent, prepaid energy and cancelled events is helpfully and clearly set out by Money Saving Expert, too, here.

more specific advice for pregnant women

The RCOG clarifies current best practice following advice for pregnant women to reduce social contact, so you know how to best manage appointments and act in the best interests of you and your baby.

More specific advice for 70+ and “at-risk”

Age UK breakdown the details and specifics for the 70s and older, and those included in the “at risk” category.

I hope this provides ideas and resources to stay calm, resourceful & healthy. You have a great role to play in how this experience plays out. A strong, healthy, and calm you will have a powerful effect on those around you.

Before you go, I’d love to know if there’s anything you’d like to share. Anything unaddressed, anything helpful for others, please leave a comment below, with kindness.

Take care.

Jodi x