With so many uncertainties right now and more questions than answers, your brain and thoughts can spiral fast. As a coach, you’re often looked to as the helper and healer, but remember, you’re human too.

Don’t beat yourself up if you’re experiencing a less than positive outlook right now. The good news is, while it may not feel like it, you can control so many other things. Take a deep breath and slowly reflect on these ten things you have complete control over.

10 THINGS YOU CAN CONTROL RIGHT NOW

1. YOUR MINDSET

You can be sad. You can be scared. You can be optimistic. You can be all three at different times or feel something completely different. Your mindset is 100% in your control, and all your feelings are valid.

2. THE AMOUNT OF TIME YOU EXERCISE

Your gym or favorite yoga studio might be closed, but that doesn’t mean you have to become completely inactive. Build time into your day to stretch, run, or use some household items like small chairs or a coffee table to get some resistance training in. Just because your normal routine is thrown off doesn’t mean the hours in your day have to change.

3. WHAT YOU EAT

It’s definitely okay to relax some of your cooking rules right now, but just because you’re staying inside doesn’t mean you have to eat processed junk food or graze all day on snacks. The grocery stores may be crazy, but fresh fruits and vegetables are just as important to pick up.

4. WHAT YOU’RE GRATEFUL FOR

Deciding what to be grateful for right now is completely in your control. Do you have food? Do you have a safe home? Many people right now do not have these things, and it’s important to give thanks for whatever it is you do have. You can even give thanks for the sunshine, flowers, or rain.

5. HOW YOU TREAT OTHERS

It’s a strange time, and many people are feeling overwhelmed and isolated. Who can you reach out to today? Who would benefit from a quick chat? Likewise, when you’re at the grocery store, be mindful of the needs of others, too.

6. WHAT YOU CONSIDER FUN

You might feel pressure to stock up on wine or connect online with friends and family for lengthy conversations. That is fine, but if you’d rather take a long bath, turn off your phone, and read a book instead, that’s okay too. Perhaps you want to re-watch an old show you once loved or spend time organizing your closets. While perhaps not your ideal idea of fun, you do still have control over the activities you want to do during this time.

7. WHAT YOU WANT TO FOCUS ON

It can be challenging to focus on anything else right now, but with some mindset shifts, it is possible. It’s almost spring and even by just opening a window you can feel the warmer air filter through. You can also shift your focus to supporting others if you can. Consider having food or supplies delivered to someone who you know is struggling financially, or send a video to friends in a different city or country who are going through the same thing right now.

8. WHAT YOU DO WITH YOUR MORNINGS OR EVENINGS

Your regular routine might be gone, but you can create new ones. Were you trying to start a morning meditation practice but could never get it squeezed in and get to work on time? Now is your chance. If you’re working from home, set a hard stop time so you can separate work from rest. Play music, light some candles, and take back control over your day.

9. YOUR REST TIME

Anxiety and stress can be tough on the body. If you’re trying to be productive during this time, remember that it’s okay to rest more than you normally would. And while productivity is good, you don’t have to break records on what you can get done right now.

10. WHAT YOU PUT INTO YOUR MIND

It’s important to stay informed, but you can control how much news and media you consume. Too much can be damaging and anxiety-inducing so be sure to choose an amount that works for you. Be sure to choose your sources well too, avoiding sensationalist headlines and clickbait content.

THE TAKEAWAY

The bottom line is that while you might feel like you can’t control what’s happening around you right now, there are still things you do have control over every day. Focus on those things, take this time to give yourself some grace, and channel your need to control into the things inside your home that you can control.

Which one stood out most to you? Share it with us in the comments.