Thread by @BStulberg

Here are some insights and practices that have been particularly helpful to me and those I coach. Topics include:

-Acceptance
-Patience
-Movement
-Community
-Productive action
-Performance amidst uncertainty

I hope at least some of these may be helpful to you too. (Thread.)

COVID-19 isn't just a storm. It is likely going to be a season.

Take the long view. Prepare for a nine-inning game. There will be highs and lows. Focus on what you can control and try not to waste energy on what you can't.

Don't check the news all the time (this is not easy).

Adopt a mindset of process over outcomes.

-Accumulation of consistent, small acts leads to something big.
-There will be plateaus, tweaks along the way. How it goes.
-Every choice compounds, good and bad.

This is true for us as individuals and for organizations and societies.

Acceptance is NOT passive resignation. It's seeing clearly what is happening—not what you want to be happening or thought would be happening; but what is ACTUALLY happening—and taking wise action that aligns with your values.

This is not a one-time thing. It's an everyday thing.

Research: The more you resist emotions the stronger they become. The more you open up to emotions the better your health, performance, and well-being.

Opening up in this way is hard work. It is an ongoing practice. Start small. Seek support. Be kind to yourself.

Two mantras helpful to me and those I coach, especially in challenging times:

"This is what is happening right now."
"I'm doing the best I can."

All we have are our actions in the present moment. These help bring you back when your mind gets away from you.

Your brain feels better when you move your body. Physical activity need not be complicated.

‍30 to 60 minute run or brisk walk in an uncrowded area.

30 to 45 minute body weight or kettlebell circuit including squats, push-ups, planks, swings, jumps.

Plant, pull stuff outside.

Mood follows action.

You don't need to feel good to get going; you get going and then you feel good.

Rest is important but sometimes you need a firm and gentle persistence to get started. Applying this can make all the difference in your day. And weeks are just multiple days.

It's okay to lower expectations. The best time to do what you really wanted to do may have been yesterday. But the second best time is today. Beating yourself up is a complete waste of time and energy.

Be honest with yourself. Be kind to yourself.

Also: Be kind to others.

Instead of social distancing how about physical distancing.

Now, more than ever, we need to be socially CONNECTED.

The only way we get through this—both biologically and psychologically—is together. Action. Attitude. Support. It's all contagious.

(Note: I don't write any of this because I have it all figured out. I write this TO figure it out. We're all doing the best we can, adjusting as we go.)

And to those on the front-lines, in the trenches at hospitals, supply chains, grocery stores—thank you, thank you, thank you.