Parenting Through a Pandemic

October 7, 2020

by Georgina Glass, Studio Ambassador No stranger to a challenge, I first became a mum to my daughter, Madison, at 18 years old. Three years on, I welcomed my second child, my son Oliver into the world, and within the year, I found myself as a single mum to two at just 22 years old. A situation I never imagined I’d be in but non the less become part of my story and my journey. Navigating through the challenges of being a single mum at such a young age was a battle of emotions teamed with onset financial pressures and managing multiple responsibilities. Time for myself become a rarity but a necessity to thrive. To provide and care for my family, I have always worked hard, building my career in the telecommunications industry where today I work in a role designing and delivering products and services to market. Through the challenges we experience in life, we build resilience and are provided with the lessons and tools necessary to take on the challenges of our future. The lessons I have learnt in my journey as a young single mum helped prepare me for the year 2020 that gave us the COVID-19 global pandemic. As so many families are experiencing new challenges due to COVID-19, I wanted to share some of my tips and strategies on how to look after yourself and parent through a pandemic.

Fit your own mask first.

Most of us have probably heard a flight attended on our travels advise us to fit our own oxygen masks before assisting others. I can’t help but think about how this may apply more broadly to how we parent, particularly during turbulent times. It is essential as parents to fit our masks first. Attending to our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing as the priority enables us to be present and give the best version of ourselves to our children.

Surrender.

Over our lifetime, we begin to realise that with every inward breath follows an outward breath. When we fight against and resist the circumstances beyond our control tensions and frustrations tend to rise. When we instead surrender to the situation with acceptance for what is, knowing that like everything else this too shall pass we can become free of resistance and emotional negativity.

Good Nutrition is important to Studio Ambassador Georgie

Practice Mindfulness.

Practising mindfulness is a great way to reduce stress. I enjoy incorporating meditation into my daily routine, allowing time to honour any feelings with greater awareness and removal of judgment. Mindfulness practice can include breathing methods, journaling, or just a time to be still and relax the mind and body. Practising mindfulness provides so many health benefits that can help support us through challenges.

Maintain good nutrition.

Good nutrition is crucial for health, especially during times where our immune system might need to fight back. Ensuring we eat well for us in our home became a fun family activity, and we’ve loved using the Studio HQ’s online recipes to prepare meals together as a family.

Incorporate meaningful movement.

During isolation, I needed to change up my exercise routine as attending classes in the present was no longer possible. Knowing how important it is for your wellbeing to incorporate meaningful movement in every day, I tried something new and took to Pilates from home. I have loved learning how to pay attention and listen to my body, and the noticeable physical changes are a bonus. If you’re still in isolation or maybe prefer to incorporate movement into your day in the comfort of your own home, you can access a variety of workouts from home with the Studios online platform. As restrictions are lifting here in Hobart, it’s been nice to get back into the studio to attend a reformer Pilates class twice weekly. That Pilates hour has become the most joyful part of my day.

Ready to start moving?

Add some meaningful movement to your day and feel the benefits. Check out our timetable and you’ll find that there’s always a class to suit your lifestyle.