Navigating through this uncertain time
This is such an interesting time we are experiencing. It has forced us to make changes that we didn’t necessarily want or choose. Our space looks different with fewer or more humans occupying it. Every day takes on a new shape and it isn’t clear how each week is going to unfold. Our schedules may be more or less occupied. Different emotions keep knocking at our door that we haven’t seen for a while. Grieving loss while trying to put one foot in front of the other. The overwhelm is real and I wanted to ask those around me how they are navigating through this difficult time:
I’ve been protecting my mental health during this time like a kid would a candy bar. I’ve been exercising every day in the comfort of my own home, making sure my space feels organized and clean, staying in touch and seeing my friends and family via video and prioritizing sleep. I’ve been turning inward, looking at all the benefits to this time and staying focused on that.
-Rachelle Giardin http://www.beyondnourished.com
I'm definitely making the most of this uncertain time. I've been checking off a list of daily activities that are helping me feel structured and they include a balance of physical activities, mentally stimulating learning time, emotionally connecting with people I love while maintaining physical distance, and just enjoying a slower pace in general. Stopping to do one thing at a time and being fully present while doing it.
– Erin Sky Kelly https://www.erinskyekelly.com/
I'm allowing myself to slow down, sleep, and rest, in the most profound sense of the word, which I never do. At first, I was reading all these articles suggesting I learn a new language, take up a new hobby, or finish a project. These are great ideas, in theory, however, I decided to reject these suggestions and do... NOTHING. After a few weeks, I might feel inspired to do my taxes or write a book, but for now, I want to sit on the couch and stare at a screen. That is my right. And it feels good.
– Allie Huggins www.hugginscounselling.com
What’s getting me through is (re)setting my boundaries. Given that last week was the beginning of self-isolation for me, I was in a bit of social panic and dropped all respect for the social and emotional boundaries that I’ve worked hard (with my therapist's support) to set for myself over the past year Of course, I didn’t physically see anyone other than my partner, but I was on video calls with friends, family, and colleagues for hours on end. I spent any time not on a call scrolling through news and social media while anxiously wondering what I could do to help myself, the people I love, and the people who need more help even more than we do. While I’m glad I could be there for others and figured out some important actions to ease my sense of helplessness, I didn’t need to rush. We will likely be in this state for a while, so I am taking time now to (re)establish my boundaries for engaging with others. It won’t make me a bad friend or co-worker, but rather, more prepared and engaged in providing emotional support when I can. -Kate
I encourage you to welcome all feelings. Lean into them, acknowledge them, really see and hear what they are trying to say, and move through them as best you can. Gently remind yourself that transformation comes through breakdowns and challenging experiences. This may be waking up parts of ourselves that need to be seen and heard. From re-establishing boundaries to completely slowing down: