We all get there at some point. Hit a wall and need to take time out to care for our own mental health and wellbeing. And that was me last week. I felt I got to a point of being beyond fed up with endless Lockdowns. Feeling a complete and total sense of hopelessness with no end in sight. Grieving over the perceived loss of control of our freedoms and liberties. To be honest, I recognized that I was going through the grief process. I was in constant denial of “how can the Government do this to us”. Feeling numb. Some days pain. Anger and sometimes e-mailing politicians to bargain. Then the depression hit. The upward turn, reconstruction and working through, then acceptance and hope. It didn’t take a lot really. We’ve had some freedoms returned to us – not a lot but enough to enable me to travel further than 10km from my home and actually catch up with people face to face and eat a meal at a restaurant. It’s insane how we’ve been conditioned to take these small things for granted. But I certainly don’t anymore. Anyway, below is my list of activities I partook in last week to get me over the line. Now I won’t BS and say that I’m completely cured as I am still in communication with my Doctor and am considering talking to a Psych. I’ll be brutally honest in saying that if we are returning to yet another Lockdown (number 8 if there is to be one), I’m really not sure how I would manage. Just saying. But these strategies really did assist.
- Locking myself away for some me time. I spent most of last week in my bedroom alone. Now I recognize not everyone who home schools will be able to do this, but maybe you could ask hubby to take a day off work and look after the kids’ while you take some important time out for your mental health and wellbeing. It’s an investment after all.
- Do whatever makes you feel good. I watched a tonne of documentaries and movies – mostly historical – as I love that stuff. I learn something new from each one and it really doesn’t require a lot of brain space.
- Meditation. Taking the time to quite literally just switch my brain off is always time well spent. I’ll admit, it takes time and practise, but again, it’s an investment.
- Getting plenty of quality sleep. This was the first thing my Dr mentioned. I didn’t even consider it until she did mention it but she was right – I haven’t been sleeping adequately and quality sleep has been something sadly missing. I’m on Melatonin daily for two weeks’ and it’s been a bit of a slow start but I’m persisting.
- Unplugging. I’m off Facebook and the only social media platform I checked and posted on last week was Instagram. I removed myself from all of the “blah blah” going on currently. No-one needs to hear everyone’s opinions and there are plenty of them right now. It doesn’t serve anyone or anything.
- Keeping up conversations with those you are closest to. I told my hubby that I needed the time out. It wasn’t a massive financial incursion and my boys’ understood that Mummy was worn out and needed a rest. Surround yourself with those who support you unconditionally. No matter what.
- Get some fresh air and walk. Now I pulled back from my somewhat gruelling training schedule but I did get outside and walk the dogs around the property. Exercise really is the best anti-depressant there is – even just meandering.
- Watch what you are eating and drinking. I’ll admit I pigged out on corn chips and it certainly did not help my mental state the next day. Always remember, junk in, junk out.
- Don’t beat yourself up – give yourself a pass. If you have team you will disconnect from, don’t think that their entire world will fall over if you are not there for them for a few days’. The world will still turn if you are not there. No-one is indispensable.
I hope this has helped. It’s a difficult situation currently – no question of it. Everyone is doing the absolute best that they can with what they have. Do what you need to do when you need to do in order to preserve your most precious commodity – your mind. It’s an investment in you, your family’s and your business’ future.