It is well known that humans are creatures of habit, and although it makes complete sense, it is less known that humans are also creatures of comfort. It is no wonder that there is such a great need for mental health help these past 2 years, as we’ve all been living in the unknown, where our comfort is taken away from us from one day to the next.

We were told to go into lockdown, to wear a face mask and to constantly wash our hands. Our regular trips to the grocery store became lineups out in the cold, only to get in and realize there was no more toilet paper (SHIT!).

We’ve been trying to continue on as though life were normal, working everyday, making supper for the family, doing our weekly chores. Anything to keep some routine in our recently toppled-over lives. But little did we know we were burning the candle at both ends.

This blog is aimed at giving you tools, tips and tricks to help you get through your day, your week, and your month. So let’s begin with an easy one that can take as little or as much time as you want; taking a moment to yourself.

Begin with your morning coffee or tea (or juice). Grab the mug and bring it close to you, touching the walls of the mug and feeling the warmth spread into your palms. With your mug in your hands, look closely at the coffee, the little bubbles on top, hugging where they meet the wall of the mug. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose, smelling the sweet aromas drifting up from the mug. When you are ready, take your first sip and let the coffee splash on all areas of your tongue, hitting each taste zone. Recognize the sweet, salty, bitter, umami and sour flavours before swallowing. Now put the mug down on the table and, still with your eyes closed, listen to the sounds around you. Take a moment to hear the clock ticking. Keeping your eyes closed, bring your focus inward and register with each part of your body, how it feels. Starting with your head, moving down to your neck, stretching it out to the left and to the right. Now to your shoulders, pushing them away from your ears. With your next breath in, check in with your heart, your stomach and your hips, then release. Move down your legs and take a moment to feel how your knees are doing, before moving down to your ankles and moving them around. Under your heel and to your toes, squeezing and stretching them. Come back up to your shoulders and lock your elbows, stretching your forearms out. And lastly, moving to your wrists, giving them a turn and finally spreading your fingers as far apart as you can. Take a deep breath in and relax your body, even if only for a moment. When you are ready, open your eyes, and acknowledge how you are feeling.

With this, have yourself a wonderful day!