COVID, Wellness and the Lessons We’ve Learned to Help Us Move Forward
COVID and wellness.
They’re two pretty opposing themes, right?
It certainly seems like it, at first glance. But it gets a little more interesting if we look with curiosity at those themes in light of what we’ve learned about wellness during this COVID era. How, moreover, will those lessons about wellness impact changes in our lives, as we move into post-COVID times?
Hmm.
This week we’re prompting the ABG community with that question, starting with our core team of Beck, Alicia Laury, Tyke Jones and myself. Please have a look at Alicia and Tyke’s responses below, on Appreciation and Family Dynamics; Beck and I will add our thoughts next week.
Namaste,
Cathy
From Tyke Jones, on Appreciation:
When daily rituals and routines we’ve always taken for granted are suddenly gone, it invokes a whole new perspective. When the world shut down, I learned it was the little things I missed the most. I miss hugging friends upon arrival and departure. I miss eating warm soup in my cozy neighborhood pub on a rainy day. I miss sending my son off to school in the morning and the elation I felt picking him up in the afternoon. Moments like these, more often than not, used to come and go without a second thought.
Moving forward I would like to practice appreciation by noticing small everyday events that I took for granted so easily prior to COVID. I want to sit inside a cafe, sip cappuccino and just watch people. I want to be able to slow down and savor these occasions. The rest of the world can wait.
From Alicia Laury, on Family Dynamics:
As a mom to two kids, aged 9 and 3.5 living in a small house in San Francisco, we’ve had quite a ride this past year navigating working from home, distance learning, preschool COVID policies and managing friendships and family relationships. Here are the top three things I have employed to help us survive this past year and keep sane (most of the time!).
1. Start the Day Right: Space and Breath
The first few months of shelter in place were a struggle for me. I found myself with no space. No nanny, no school, no alone time. My husband loved the newfound family time. I wanted to scream and run away! After a few weeks of being a grumpy mom and wife, I needed a new plan. I needed to carve out space for myself in the new reality of COVID. I needed space and calm.
Space
Mediation gave me space and breathwork gave me calm. In meditation we open ourselves to spaciousness. When we can’t go out for space we can always go in. A vast world awaits us with endless space to roam. Before I even get out of bed each morning, I mediate and visualize how I want to show up that day. Compassionate. Playful. Grateful. I love the Morning Stardust meditation by David Ji to start the day right!
Breath
Once I am up, breathwork is a part of my daily ritual, which I like to do outside if possible. I practice what is called diaphragmatic breathing (also referred to as abdominal or belly breathing). Here’s a 5 minute practice (Passcode: 76DJ!yWS) I’ve put together to help put this technique into practice and a more in-depth article on its benefits.
2. Understanding Each Other’s Language
Before COVID there were always outlets to vent about family life. A walk with a friend. A lunch with a co-worker. But all of that evaporated once we were ALL home together ALL the time! The dishes left in the sink or your kid’s homework lying on the floor were like tiny flames that burst into a full on raging fire. How could we live like this and survive each other?
I jumped into the new Zoom world and participated in Conscious Parenting and Homeschooling classes from Little Humans by Mindvalley. Their collection of experts provided timeless and sage advice on positively navigating family relationships in this new era. I also re-read these books, The 5 Love Languages, The 5 Love Languages of Children and How to Fight by Thich Nhat Hanh, which helped me remember that we all cope differently with stress and listening and understanding each other was more vital than ever.
3. Family Meetings
Every Sunday we sit down as a family for our weekly meeting. We cover our family values and talk about any issues from the past week and where we need support in the coming week. Having this time to connect and share has been a great way to listen and ensure issues get dealt with promptly. Having fun stuff to eat also helps! Our favorite is chocolate croissants.
Does this happen perfectly every day? No. Do we have bad days and wish we could be better? Yes. But the important thing is that we put forth our best effort and some days that is a B and some days that is an A. Remember to be compassionate with your family and yourself. These have been challenging times.
What We're Reading:
Here's what has piqued our interest this week in the world of wine and mindfulness.
‘Great man of wine’ Steven Spurrier dies at home - The Drinks Business.com
One of the wine world’s most famous, liked and respected figures, Steven Spurrier, has died at home, earlier today
Be kind, make wine: Kiwi winemakers get wellbeing tips and tricks – Stuff.com
Marlborough winemaker raises her glass to a wellbeing workshop travelling round the country helping those in the industry manage stress levels and look after themselves.
How to Be Funny at Work – HBR.org
Seriously.
Unmet need for no and low wine options, new report finds - The Drinks Business.com
There’s an unmet need for new no and low wine options as consumers embrace moderation, a new report has suggested.
Tanqueray Announces Alcohol-Free Version of Its Gin – Food & Wine.com
It's the latest spirits brand to vie for low- and no-alcohol drinkers.
Meet the Community!
Here we meet some of the talented folks who make our community and profession so dynamic.
Andrew Freeman, Founder/CEO af&co, Co-Founder Carbonate (San Francisco, USA)
Years in Industry:
This is a bit scary – it’s been 37 years!!! I had a dream to pursue acting and like any good actor – I ended up waiting tables and fell in love with the hospitality industry. I have been honored to work with legends and mentors for my whole career. From classics like The Russian Tea Room, Rainbow Room, Windows on the World to Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants and then starting my business in 2005 (15 this year!!) –it’s been a delicious journey.
My Top Three Challenges to Wellness
Well, this year puts a whole new spin on this one. Obviously, the impact of Covid on my business and mental health has been nuts. Many of us got to escape or slow down and take a break – as the owner of a boutique agency, I went into survival mode and became obsessed with keeping both my business and the hospitality/restaurant industry alive. It’s been very tough but also very rewarding. As a result, work became a challenge to my wellness because I wasn’t taking the normal life breaks for my runs, going to the theater, and even sleeping enough.
For this single socialite—the Shelter in Place order has also been really challenging. I am a Barry’s Bootcamp loyalist (along with some Core Power yoga on the side) – and I truly miss going to the classes not only for my fitness goals (I definitely have a Covid belly now) but the amazing social family spirit being a member there brings to me. I have morphed to online classes and they are a great stress release, but nothing beats a great workout in person.
For me – spending time with my family and friends really keeps me balanced. I haven’t seen my family in a year. It’s been quite challenging. I really miss having dinners or drinks at my wonderful client restaurants with people I love.
How I Keep It Together to Stay Well
Up to recently – it was all the Zoom meetings, cocktail gatherings, and virtual events. I admit – I am starting to have Zoom fatigue. That said, the talented journalist Virginia Miller and I created a virtual dinner party series featuring my client restaurants and we now have an almost cult like following. Along with seeing so many of my friends and colleagues over great dinners and conversations –I have also connected with awesome new people that will become friends for life. I know we all can’t wait to get back to life.
Okay, I will admit it – I do my fair share of binge-watching TV. I just finished It’s A Sin, I loved The Queen’s Gambit, The Undoing and The Flight Attendant. I never was much of a TV watcher (okay – I do love The Voice and Dancing with the Stars) but I have come to accept that zoning out with TV helps. I also love, love, love listening to showtunes (that should come as no surprise to the folks that know me).
Now on to the serious stuff --- I take a lot of vitamins. I continued to donate my time to the charities I am passionate about and yes – I got a new puppy recently. Her name is Dolly (named after one of my favorite divas and do-gooders Dolly Parton). Trust me a puppy can do a lot to keep you well; physically by chasing her and mentally by snuggling with her.
What Inspires Me:
Of course, I was completely inspired by all the amazing support the restaurant industry gave to its own people (Hello, Jose Andres). I have also been completed blown away by my hardworking clients and all the restaurateurs and hoteliers that have fought the good fight this year. Crisis can bring creativity and it’s clear for many the anthem became – I WILL SURVIVE. I am also inspired daily by my hardworking team of co-workers and by all my besties.
A Quote I Love:
“When you come to the fork in the road, take the fork!” ~ Bill Kimpton—Founder of Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants (and a mentor)
You can connect with Andrew on Instagram @bossmanafco, Facebook Andrew Freeman, and online at www.afandco.com www.carbonategroup.com
Shop our ABG Merchandise
Hydration, safety and style are all possible with ABG Merch.
The offerings are a small list of high quality items that we have road-tested and reviewed, and hope they help support your self-care, while staying hydrated, safe, and stylish! << Check it out here >>
Let's Get Connected!
Sharing Events from our Global ABG Community.
Lift Collective Virtual Conference (formerly Wonder Women of Wine)
March 23 and 24, 2021
Formerly Wonder Women of Wine, Lift Collective launches its second conference, committed to dismantling the status quo and rebuilding a diverse, equitable, and inclusive industry for all identities.
Pen2Paper Project - A Focus on Health & Spiribam Collaboration
March 25, 5pm PT | 8pm ET
After exactly ONE full year in isolation, we thought it would be a healthy idea to scribble a little about how our homes have become our own private islands. Did you find an Oasis or were you desperately seeking SOS? Join us for a fun evening that includes cocktail making and a bit of easy scribbling designed to help you create a few healthy new habits.
Engaging the Senses: An Exploration of Flavor and Sound
March 25, 2021 5pm PT | 8pm ET
Join wine pro Devin Parr and Toronto Symphony Orchestra musicians Clare Semes and Kelly Zimba -- AKA Sonority Sisters – online, as they pair beautiful wines with beautiful music. This 90-minute tasting and music session will invite you to indulge in a total sensory experience that is a feast for the eyes, nose, mouth and ears. Tickets in link.
Have an event that our ABG community would love? Email to events@abalancedglass.com for consideration.
