Ask Lonnie

DEAR LONNIE:

It’s Christmas, and it’s Covid, do you have any tips for staying grounded through the holidays with the added stress?

ANSWER:

Dear Grounded Christmas,

Christmas can be stressful on its own, so with the added pressures of Covid I understand the need for grounding!

The lack of family and friends with us to celebrate is definitely a hard one to handle. Focus on flipping your mindset from 'hardship' to 'adventure'!

There are so many ways to keep in touch. Facebook video calls, and FaceTime, allow you to see and hear the people you love and may be missing around your table this year. You can even do some baking, crafting or decorating while on video, so they can be a part of it. A spontaneous phone call, or even snail mail, who doesn't love getting a personalized card in the mail?

Remind yourself, (and each other), that this won't last forever. This is temporary.

Self care is extra important this year to help you stay grounded and not let overwhelm take a hold of you.

I recommend daily journaling. Anytime you feel a bit anxious or start wondering how you'll get through this, take out your journal and jot down your thoughts, feelings and anything in between. Our minds tend to relax if we can gather our thoughts and bring some order to them.

Make time for conversations. Knowing you aren't alone can make the biggest difference. Watch your diet, get some healthy nutritious food in there too. Let's face it, it's Christmas so we will indulge, but we can balance it out with good food too!

Do something active daily. You don't have to go run a marathon, but some jumping jacks, pushups, extra trips up the stairs or a few aerobic minutes, will also help to relieve stress build up. Give your body and mind an outlet.

All of this holds true if you have littles at home too. They will love all the things if you put an adventurous/game playing feel to it. And as an added bonus, getting outside in the backyard to play with your kids counts as getting active! It's a win/ win!

Above all, be kind as we all try to navigate our way through this very unique year.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, Lonnie xx

DEAR LONNIE:

I just celebrated my 50th birthday! What a year! What are some great habits that I could add to my life this year to make my next 50 years the best yet? Use the good dishes on regular days. Don't save anything for a special occasion. Everyday there's something to celebrate! Keep gratitude in your heart and actions daily. Grow fresh herbs to use in your cooking. They also brighten up a room and mood.

Most important of all, enjoy yourself! If it makes you happy, do it!

I'm celebrating you!

Thank you for writing in. Lonnie xx

ANSWER:

Dear Birthday Celebration,

Happy birthday to you! 50 yrs is such a magnificent milestone!

Take some time and think about what you've always wanted to do or learn and put a plan in action! Shed those things that haven't worked in the past and focus on what lights you up inside!

Some self tuning is always a great idea. Take a cooking class, a writing class, an art class, join a book club, write your first book (I bet you have some amazing stories from the first 50 yrs of your life!), dance lessons, volunteer, plan a trip so you're ready to go when all this covid settles down.

Prioritize friendships and conversations with loved ones. If you haven't already made exercise part of your life, now is a good time to start. Something that keeps your body thriving and your mind active.

“I have a gift for seeing what others miss. I offer the truth as I know it. I offer this from my own life experience and my intuition. I hope to inspire you to have courage to look at your life, to help you feel empowered to do what you already know you need to do and as you sift through my “advice” - you will find the answers to your own questions”.

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