At least for us, this is normal right now…
1. WE WANT TO EAT ALL THE BAD THINGS… ALL DAY…
Our team has been joking about the absurd amount of gluttonous dishes we've been consuming since the onset of COVID-19 panic: we're throwing together things like mashed potatoes with New Mexico red chile and corn chips… or girl scout cookies with ice cream. It is getting bad.
HERE'S THE STRATEGY:
Try out a new recipe: put together something complex yet full of nutrients! Our bodies want to stockpile calories the way people are stockpiling toilet paper. Feed your body something that feels indulgent, but also nourishes your mind and body.
2. WE STRUGGLE TO GET ALONG WITH OUR QUARANTINE BUDDIES (HUSBANDS, WIVES, KIDS, ROOMIES, ETC…)
This situation is hard on families: there is financial uncertainty, stress levels are high, and, with social distancing, we have very few outlets for our emotional needs. This may lead you to look at your tribe and think "Why did I pick these ones?" But don't stress it - a lot of people are feeling tensions with their loved ones right now because we're all more tense in general.
HERE'S THE STRATEGY:
If and when you start to get frustrated with your tribe, take a breath and pause before you react. If you're feeling cooped up and annoyed, practice self care: take a long walk, steam with essential oils in a hot shower, give yourself a foot rub, or stretch. If you're craving outside connection, call a friend, schedule a virtual tea date, or write a letter. You might just be craving otherness, and that is ok! Sociality is at the core of who we are as a species: we need each other to feel sane. Don't get bogged down by the isolation, find ways to feel connected and it will be easier to be patient with your tribe at home.
3. SOCIAL ISOLATION AND UNCERTAINTY IS DEPRESSING AND ANXIETY INDUCING.
Many people are feeling powerless, unmotivated, and uninspired. This is SO normal right now! We're all sort of just waiting to see what is next, which makes it hard to know where to invest our energy!
HERE'S THE STRATEGY:
We HAVE to have hope: take on a project that says "I know we'll bounce back and I want to be set up for success when we do."
At OBTC we decided to tackle the projects that would require us to be closed: we're painting, rearranging, making repairs, deep cleaning, and redoing displays. It has been a wonderful distraction, a source of inspiration, and helps us look to a brighter future where our stores are full of happy and healthy people!
Now is the time to read more books, to take up a new hobby, to improve your home or business, and to plant the seeds of hope for a vibrant and joy-filled summer.
Take care of yourselves, friends. You deserve to roll into summer feeling like you spent the spring nourishing yourself, loving your tribe, and working towards your goals!
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