The Lockdown Survival Kit: Working From Home Strategies

The Lockdown Survival Kit: Working From Home Strategies

There are many companies who have decided to go online during the coronavirus isolation period, and many have had to adapt different criteria which changes the way they operate entirely. We have even seen the nation’s football teams play without spectators. Many are feeling a little sad for footy coaches and trainers but what about those who use the arts to train people in positivity as well as creativity?

Art therapy is a new emerging field that uses art as a means of self exploration, expression and healing. Mara Lyone runs a business called Healing Colours, working with the elderly, the disabled, and with patients in our hospitals. Being one of the first to be advised against working in a face to face environment, Lyone invited Instagram followers or anyone else in the community, to participate in an art process with free materials and make nature-based mandalas. Participation requires people to go out into nature after breakfast, staying safe with social distancing, and collecting natural materials for the creation of a mandala. Participants then return home and, perhaps with a cup of tea and some soothing music, slowly and deliberately make a mandala to feed the soul. Hopefully all finished before lunch.

“This entire activity is an opportunity to take a break from the stress and practice mindfulness.” said Lyone.

The process is shared on Instagram after a nice healthy lunch. It is impotant that we all feel we can still accomplish something in the days ahead. Otherwise one day will fade into the next and we’ll all go stir crazy. Mara’s Mandala offers a gentle alternative way of being. “I was inspired to make this because I wanted to connect with nature and get carried away by something beautiful that had nothing to do with what’s going on in the world. I call it, ‘Breath Of Fresh Air,'” explained Lyone.

This idea of working on a project around your daily routines can be applied to anything. Set a time for breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday and stick to it. Also fit in time for dog walking, shopping, specific TV watching, and other hobbies. In between these times work on a project or a product which you want to share and maybe get others involved in. Share on Pinterest, Zoom, Instagram or even on your own website. It’s an excellent time too to start a blog on something that really interests you. So long as you stick to routine and manage to accomplish something wonderful everyday you’ll get through.

To participate in Mara’s Mandala’s contact Mara Lyone on Instagram.

By Renee Lou Dallow

You May Also Like

Comments are closed.