The Mindset you need to get you through a Coronavirus “Staycation”
A “growth mindset” can help us to cope with having to adapt to the future of work or a global pandemic
As Madonna, the iconic pop Queen sang, in her happy go lucky song, “Holiday”;
“If we took a holiday.
Took some time to celebrate.
Just one day out of life.
It would be, it be would so nice”
I spent my early years in Maryland where my Dad was stationed at Walter Reed Medical Centre, USA and Bückeburg, a British army base. I am very much a “third culture kid” who is a global citizen. I was due to be taking a week’s skiing holiday to France with my Husband and some of friends from our social running club City Hash. But the Coronavirus soon put a stop to that! We initially had hope that we may be able to sneak across and be the last ski of the season before France went into Lockdown. As you might guess that didn’t happen. Then one of our friends suggested a pretty make do and mend ski trip to Scotland! I love Scotland and many of my husband's family live up there, but it was hardly the trip I was hoping for. However, I mentally got on the train and was fantasizing about doing some hikes, baking for my friends, reading and enjoying being ANYWHERE but HOME! Epic Fail 2, we didn’t make it there either, as by this time all Countries were starting to cotton on to the FACT that Lockdowns are effective and so closing their borders and asking non-national to leave. I mean I can’t blame them. I’m beginning to realise - my staycation at home is a unique experience, but may become far more common than one would hope in this current crisis of a global Coronavirus pandemic.
The Staycation Mindset
“I had to adjust my mindset to accepting that my “holiday” was going to be the 4 walls of our home!”
I’ve certainly felt frustrated! I’ve wondered, why, oh why is this happening? Do we really need to practice “social distancing” with zeal? By the way, the answer is YES! And have I wanted to throw my toys out of the pram? YES! Was I really sad and disappointed when my husband and I decided not to take our ski holiday to France, then a trip to Scotland? YES! I’ll admit, I was a bit p*ssed off and wanted to go regardless. I rationalised it and kept telling my Husband, we’re not in lockdown yet; it’s only Scotland; how much harm can we do? But ultimately, we made the right decision. It’s for public good. But not leaving on this ski trip didn’t prevent me from taking a “staycation” within the 4 walls of my house! I spent a whole week baking, reading, taking baths, drinking wine, and spending time with my husband although he has opted not to be “on holiday”.
The Staycation Diaries
I spent a lot of time baking! I baked 2 different types of chocolate cookies. I baked 2 types of chocolate cake. I started a Facebook Live Series called “virtual Cookie with Ekua”. It was a fun 3 part series, where I shared a virtual cookie and virtual hug with my Facebook community. I created a series of Positive Postpost Cards that I encouraged people to share and send to their friends to help people keep in contact. I made a video of myself twirling under a tree. Plus there were endless insta photos of cakes and cookies!
Chocolate Chip Recipes
Vintage Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate Cake Recipes
Guaranteed moist Chocolate Cake
Moist chocolate cake, no eggs, no butter!
Holiday Rights During Coronavirus
As a working person you will be entitled to some holiday arrangements with your employer. If you are a Key Worker in the UK please check the resources. If you work for a private company please check with HR what holiday rules are in place to deal with unusual circumstances. Check how much leave you will be entitled to carryover into your new leave year or if you can be paid for your holiday instead. Ask, ask, ask people! Don’t assume. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
I made the best of my staycation. Here are my 6 tips for having a wonderful Staycation!
1 Grieve for your “lost Holiday”, but get over it quickly!
It’s totally ok to be sad that your holiday “insert destination”, was snatched away and that sucks! However, in the grand scheme of things we’ve got bigger things to worry about. Be grateful there is “such a thing as society” and there are some awesome human beings that are working for the NHS, in retail, transport and delivery services that keep the Nation running. Spare a thought for them.
2 Have vision for how you’re going to enjoy your staycation
Having a vision and goals are key. Think of your vision as all of the things that you LOVE to DO but never seem to have time for. How will you feel when you are engaging in those activities? Some strategies that have worked for me: write a list of things I enjoy, list out some movies I want to watch and gather a pile of books which I want to read. Take the time to focus on what you really enjoy. It’s ok to be silly and have fun. I, for example, spent time twirling under a tree near the Thames Path, because I find joy in twirling. I just don’t ever get time or the inclination to do it in “normal life.”
3 Work on your vision for having FUN!
These are extraordinary times. You may experience roadblocks in allowing yourself to have fun in these serious times. Give yourself permission to have fun. Don’t give up on FUN! It’s ok to have fun in a way that is safe and does not harm anyone. Google is your friend when it comes to finding interesting ways to do “have a date night” to “top 10 feel good films of all time!”
4 Find out what gives you joy and makes you laugh!
We all know laughter is like the best medicine! It instantly makes us feel better. I’m not going to bother with any pseudo science. I’m just going to get to saying find the comedy, jokes, music, sounds or videos that make you laugh. Watch them daily, weekly or whatever frequency works for you. Work on finding joy in the little things, like appreciating spending time with family and loved ones.
5 Exercise. Release stress and tension
We are experiencing unprecedented times. I know, the gym has closed, which is another barrier for your normal go to fitness activities. I hear you. But say NO to laziness! If you are in lockdown or close to it, you still have all of the following available to you: stairs, the floor, the wall, the balcony, the garden, the living room, or your kitchen! Don’t use this as an excuse. I promise, you’ll feel better after going to YouTube ,finding your exercise of choice, and just doing some yoga, HIIT, circuits or Zumba!
6 Take Self Care Seriously
Now more than ever we need to take care of personal mental and physical well being. Everyone is different, these are very challenging times and all of stuff is happening to people all at once that is causing hardship, misery and pain. So I implore you to make time weekly to make time once per week at least to have “Me Time”. NO it definitely is not a selfish thing to do, I would go so far as to say it is a life preserving thing to do. So please, please, please don’t ignore yourself!
Resources
Key Work Annual Leave during COVID-19 UK (Gov.uk)
UK Holiday Entitlement (Gov.uk)
ACAS Advice on COVID-19 Holiday Entitlement