This is the style now. Thank you to Kimmi (@Fabulous_Kimmy) for sending this beautifully hand-made mask to my door!
Where does one even begin at a time like this? Truly, where do you start? Well, since I am a mental health blogger, I guess what I will do is touch on the mental health aspect of everything that is going on in this crazy year. You know the year that, when our grandkids ask, we will have to take a deep breath and pour a nice stiff drink or run away crying. Whatever helps to get you through.
Sooo…let’s see. I guess with every aspect of what we have been facing, I would like to touch on how it has affected me and what I have been doing to combat the depression and anxiety that accompanies these times. I hope that this post does help someone out there. Otherwise, why am I even writing this sentence? Let me know. I love to hear from my readers.
Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you know that the world has been going through a pandemic. I think that one of the hardest things for us that struggle with our mental health is the lack of concrete guidelines and treatment. It’s like we are walking into a jungle unarmed, hoping the tiger’s don’t get us. That’s kind of what it feels like but I am sure if I posted that on Facebook right now there would be someone that would argue that claim, say I’m wrong or do me one better and prove me wrong (with an article that would probably not have valid research supporting it.) It’s fun. Right? I’m sure you know what I’m talking about.
I have stayed pretty quiet during all of the COVID19 talk. It has been hard to decipher which way my mind is going. I know that in the beginning and on any given day, my anxiety was overwhelming and I was scared to take my family anywhere close to where the virus thrives. I would wear the fucking mask no matter what any of the nay-sayers say (including my husband that I love dearly, but that’s another subject. He did start wearing the mask, though.) Yes, at times I feel ridiculous wearing it. I remember seeing broadcasts of Japan wearing them out everywhere and thinking that I could not imagine it getting to that and yet, here we are. It has been a crazy time for so many of us. You see, we knew something awful was coming our way but it was hard to know for sure how awful and then there were all of the conspiracy theorists trying to tell us differently. All I can say to my fellow anxiety sufferers is that you just have to go with your gut and don’t get sucked into social media or any media for that matter. Now, if only I had followed my own advice, maybe I wouldn’t have had such a sharp spike of anxiety in the beginning. But seriously, log off of that shit, delete the app, take some time away, do what you gotta do. It has truly helped me to do just that and then delete it from my phone for the day. Yeah, it’s a little bit of a nuisance but you get used to it and it’s worth it. Promise.
How did you react during this crazy time? Did you read all of the articles or post all of the opinions? Did you ever truly decide which side you were on (not sure why there has to be these imaginary sides)? Did you go all extreme and then calm down only to see that the numbers are starting to go back up again? It’s a hard place to be at this time in our lives.
I wasn’t even sure which direction to go with this post but I think that a good place to end up would be to talk about how you can help yourself during this difficult time in the mental realm of things.
Take care of YOU!
Take care of yourself! I know, easier said than done but even taking small steps along the way can help you tremendously. You are so flipping worth it! I have listed some practices I have been trying to keep in place that have helped me navigate through all of this. That’s not to say that I don’t have days where I just want to hide under the covers and not interact with a soul. It happens. I just try to remind myself that tomorrow is a new day, a fresh start. OK, so here goes…things that have helped me navigate through this mess.
Daily Affirmations
Read a daily affirmation to remind yourself how badass you are and how well you have been able to take on the world. Yes, even through all of this, you can do it again. (I was gifted this book by a good friend and I do my best to soak it up daily, The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman). Once I read my book, usually while sipping on a hot cup of coffee and eating my breakfast, I get out my little journal and write three things I am grateful for. Does this sound familiar? It should because I talked about it a few months back and look at little ol’ me keeping up with it. Now, please do not beat yourself up if you do not do this every day. Honestly, I would say it is more of an every other day thing for me but gosh darn it, it does help!
Grateful Writings/ What I Will Accomplish
Alright, then after your three grateful writings, I usually write three things that I will accomplish throughout the coming day. I am one of those people that likes lists. My to-do lists tend to be way too damn long so writing out the three most important tasks you would like to accomplish helps to make your mind less jumbled and does not set you up for failure. Also, if you don’t get all three of these things done, then just go ahead and rewrite them the next day. It’s alright, you’re not superman/woman and no one expects you to be. This is just for you and your peace of mind. Every time I complete this small reading and writing activity in the morning it gives me a sense of accomplishment to start my day. Try it out and let me know how it goes for you!
Yoga, Yoga, Yoga
I’ve said it before and I will say it again. Practice Yoga! I mean it. It is life-changing. I honestly, don’t do it enough but when I do I am so glad that I took that time for myself. Aching back? Yoga. Stressed out mind? Yoga. Bad mood. Yoga. No joke, it’s kind of like water to me. When I can’t figure out what to do to make myself feel better I drink water, do yoga and say a prayer. Here are a few of my favorite Yogis that are fun, easy to follow and have varying degrees of time and targeted practices:
Yoga with Adriene: https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene/videos?app=desktop
Bad Yogi Yoga: https://www.youtube.com/user/badyogitv
Yoga makes my body and soul happy.
Bike Rides/ Time with Nature
Bike rides have become so therapeutic for my husband and I. It’s kind of our thing. I would also encourage you to find some offset country roads to explore on your bike rides. It’s good for the soul. You will get away from the hustle and bustle and breathe in the fresh air while seeing all that the country has to offer. Since we live in the country, we have a lot of remote roads around us and every time we go a new way we see something different. I know it was a good ride when my butt goes numb by the end of the ride, just kidding, that’s not normal, I really need to invest in a different seat. But really, we do love our bike rides.
Why So Serious?
Stop being so serious. Ok, maybe we all aren’t THAT serious but you know what I mean. Have a dance party with the kids, go to the park and swing on the swings (if they are open), jump in the puddles and don’t give a shit if you get your shoes wet. I don’t know, let’s all do the shit we did when we were kids that were so simplistic but made us giggle and happiness oozed out of us. Here’s another one that I loved as a kid: throw a plastic ball up into a tree after it rains and cheer as the rain cascades down around you. And I am not just writing this post for you, I am writing it for me. I most definitely need the reminders to calm the fuck down and stop taking life so seriously. It is clinically proven that smiling will lift your mood.
Find a Good Counselor
One of the best things I can tell you, during this time of uncertainty is to talk to a professional. I know you may think that telehealth isn’t quite the same but in my experience, it actually is. Find someone that you feel comfortable with and don’t be afraid to try a few different people until you find the right fit. Please don’t lose heart, talking to someone that can coach you through this crazy life can really make all the difference.
I hope that this message of hope finds you in a good place. Do not be afraid to reach out and let me know what you got from this post or other ideas that have helped you during this trying time. Also, let me remind you It Is Okay To Not Be Okay, however please do not forget that there are people here that love you, care for you and want you to be okay. Hugs.
                               You are loved.
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