The P in Laughology’s FLIP-it Thinking model stands for Pattern Breaking.
We all have automatic ways in which we think, feel and behave. We’ve developed these habits over the years and, in the main, they’re helpful.
However, we also all have thoughts, feelings and behaviours which aren’t as helpful and may be a bit ‘wonky’. Perhaps we believe we’d be rubbish at something that we’ve never even tried - so then we won’t give it a go at all!
During lockdown, why not chat as a family about the things that are helping you cope and what you’d like to do more of? Also, what isn’t helping and what you can do about it?
STOP! Know which unhelpful habits you want to change
- It can be tricky to break existing habits, so FLIP them instead. Rather than saying, ‘We’re going to spend less time on our phones’ say, ‘Twice a week, we’re going to switch our devices off and watch a film or play games together.’ For more tips on how to change your Language see Module 2.
- Being in lockdown has shown the many benefits of being able to get lost in a book for hours. If you previously thought it was important to competitively march your child through the school’s reading scheme, you may now want to focus on helping them develop a love of reading.
START! Think imaginatively to create great new patterns of behaviour – see Module 3 for more tips on how to use your Imagination.
- People who regularly challenge themselves, find it easier to cope when they are challenged by others or by tricky situations. So, now’s the time to move away from your comfort zone! Perhaps you and your child have always wanted to juggle? Or learn to speak Spanish for that next holiday (hopefully in the not too distant future)?
By learning new skills we:
- Get better used to dealing with, and learning from, failure
- Find it easier to manage a range of emotions, such as overcoming frustration
- Develop greater determination
- Now we know that, sometimes, even healthy, helpful habits may have to change – through no fault of our own! We REALLY hope that you don’t run out of toilet paper. But, if you do, it’ll help to think flexibly, outside-of-the-box (and the bathroom) and, if possible, have a bit of a giggle. Have a look at the DO! section to see what Laughology’s Ed will use when his loo roll runs out.
CONTINUE! Know which existing habits you want to carry on
It’s funny isn’t it … before lockdown, many of us were very happy slobbing about on our sofas watching the telly, until we were told that’s what we had to do!
- Decide which activities you’ve really enjoyed during this time and want to continue once things return to ‘normal’. Maybe it’s everyone sitting at the table to eat together? If not daily, a few times a week? Or you might want to carry on lunging with Joe Wicks - which doesn’t sound right somehow!
- Going forward, we may want to continue getting out as a family once each day. Not only for our physical and mental wellbeing, but also because this time has reminded us of the importance of chatting and being grateful for the simple things in life which, before now, we may have taken for granted.
