It’s been a while since I wrote in this blog. I got busy with my daily routine and responsibilities and gradually forgot about writing just like the many other simple and important things the busyness of this world has taken away from many of us. Unfortunately, it had to take an order to stay home for me to remember about writing in my blog. However, in the midst of all the ugliness this pandemic has brought to the world, there are some good things happening. People are turning back to the simple things in life: love, kindness, and compassion.
There are too many things going on at the same time right now. The world is changing rapidly and this can cause lots of anxiety and worry. For those of us who tend to suffer from anxiety or depression, it can be hard to balance everything at once. We can easily get overwhelmed by the new normal we are having to adjust to. Some are overwhelmed with having to balance working at home, homeschooling children and keeping up with the house chores. Others are stressed with working too much, constantly being exposed to the virus, and trying to keep their family safe. While others are worried because they either already don’t have a job or are afraid they will lose it in addition to the major impact the economy will have after all of this has passed.
We don’t really know what is going to happen or how bad it will be, but the first thing we need to do is live day by day, have faith, and not worry or fear. We need to implement some self care! I am not a mental health expert, but I can share from experience what has worked for me. Here are a few things that might help:
- Keep your medicine routine. You might need to set an alarm to remember but you need to keep your daily routine and not forget to take your medicine.
- Keep a journal. Even if you don’t feel like writing, make the time to write how you are feeling throughout the day.
- Set boundaries. When you are hurt, sad, or angry by someone’s actions towards you, it more likely means a boundary has been violated. Find out what it is and make changes.
- Watch what you eat. Eat a balanced diet. Be intentional about what you eat. Don’t eat out of anxiety or boredom.
- Have some “me” time. Don’t isolate yourself, but do have some time on your own to recharge. You know what works best for you. Listen to happy music. Pray and meditate. Exercise. Watch a funny movie. Read a book. Bake. Work on your garden. Listen to calming sounds and just relax. Whatever works for you…as long as it’s healthy.
- Lean on your support. It can be a friend, a family member, a spiritual leader, or your therapist but you need to have someone you can talk to when you are feeling down. Make it a point to talk to someone about your feelings, don’t bottled them up.
Lupe Ruiz 