EP 17: Resilience for Hairdressers, with Kristina Russell

RESILIENCE can mean different things, but generally it means the ability to not dwell on things and bounce back with elasticity or strength. Resilience is also something you can learn to be and may not be something that comes naturally for everyone. This episode is to help hairdressers and salon owners seeking some free education and connection during isolation (or social distancing) within a special 3-part  COVID-19 series focussed on different aspects of what you can do now to feel connected, educated and work towards a brighter future. We are all experiencing uncertain times and some of us are working from home, or some hairdressers perhaps are still in the salon doing restricted hours. I know this is different all over the world and things are changing daily due to the covid-19 pandemic. Personally, I am experiencing a whirlwind of emotions. Some days are great and others are more challenging. When I google the word resilience so many blogs and podcasts and definitions pop up. The definition that I liked the most was that resilience is building skills to endure hardship. Resilience can mean different things, but generally it means the ability to not dwell on things and bounce back with elasticity or strength. Resilience is also something you can learn to be and may not be something that comes naturally for everyone.   Resilience is not about bottling things up or thinking you need to be tough and go through things alone. In fact, it’s the opposite. I encourage you to reach out for help and support to adapt and change to new circumstances.   I have 5 tips to help improve your resilience based on articles I have been reading and researching for this episode plus my own experiences of what has worked for me in the past; Connections - connecting with others is so important now; in the digital age it's great to try app's like House Party or call with video on Zoom or Skype to see each other's face while speaking. Beware of social media communities at this time Make each day meaningful - this could mean writing some goals each day or perhaps at the beginning of the week. I have a friend that writes a goal for high priority, and 1 for would be nice to do if I had time and 1 for self care. That’s it! 3 per day. Reflect - journalling or writing things down of what is working and what could work better can cue a great practice to start doing. After this episode you could try writing 3 things you love doing, 3 things you like doing at work, and 3 things you are not open for anymore perhaps as a first attempt at journaling. Mention the Artists Way as a book …. Make a plan. Situations can improve if you work at it. What needs to be done? Take actionable steps towards your plan. How do you like to learn? Podcasts? Reading? Watching documentaries? Attending online education? Self-care > Do at least 1 thing a day that you enjoy and that works your physical and emotional body. This could be dancing around the kitchen or doing yoga in your living room. Watch a funny movie or soak in a long bath listening to your favourite music. Get up and get active when you want to and just relax and recharge when you don’t want to, but just be kind. Keen to binge something other than Netflix? I have over 20 hours of past podcast episodes for your listening pleasure ready to binge back-to-back, or pick-and-mix to discover subjects that resonate with you. I wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying podcasting and am loving all the messages of support I have been receiving lately. When I sit at my little IKEA desk talking alone into my microphone my mission it so be creating content to serve your education goals and to share inspiration and ideas to help you grow. But now more than ever I believe that podcasting is such an incredible way I can help you feel connected to others, which is why I am committed to uploading new episodes every week. Chat next week x K