My Guide for surviving the shit-show that is 2020
I am someone who lives with anxiety which easily transitions into a secondary depression when left un-checked. So living in time of a global pandemic has had me feeling scared, anxious, exhausted and struggling to manage at times. Like so many, I have had to adjust fast to a iso-lifestyle and find ways to increase my self-care and improve my mental health management.
The following tips I offer have helped me survive 2020 so far. While they are by no means a "cure" to these crazy times we live in, I hope they may offer help anyone who might be struggling through this time like I have, and serve as a reminder that you are not in this alone!
Routine: Keeping a routine helps us cope with change when the world feels like it has been turned upside down. Setting a morning alarm, going to bed at regular times, continuing exercise routines and eating regular meals can all make a difference to create stability during these unsure times.
Connection: Stay connected with loved ones! We live in a wonderful time where technology allows us the ability to connect with those all around the world, so use it to your advantage and stay connected with your friends and family. Whether it be through phone calls, face-time, house party, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat or any other app, now more than ever it is important to stay connected!
Communicate: speak up to those around you when you are struggling. We are all weathering the same storm, but we are all being effected in different ways. Sometimes having someone to speak to, vent to, cry to, or even having someone to listen to can be enough to relieve some of the tension building up inside you. Knowing we are not in it alone can help ease the burden that isolation can place on us.
Have 3 hobbies that you can do in isolation: one for health, one for growth and one for creativity. It is important to keep our body, our mind and our souls happy and healthy. So firstly, find a physical activity you enjoy to keep you physically active. This can include walking with your partner or pet, performing floor yoga or pilates, or jumping online to do a workout (the internet is equipped with an abundance of exercise programs you can follow along to in your living room) - keep your body healthy by keeping it moving. Next, find an activity that helps you grow - reading, learn a new skill (language, instrument, cooking) or sign up for an online course - keep that beautiful brain active. And lastly, keep creating... whether it be art through painting, writing, music or dancing... keep doing things that make your soul feel alive, free and joyous.
Be mindful of the information you absorb: Ignore propaganda and ensure you take your advice from leading professionals and experts during this time for guidance on health and safety action.
Last but certainly not least, if you, or anyone you know is struggling severely during these times, please ensure you reach out to any of the following help lines.
We are in this together, and we will survive this!
Stay healthy and stay safe! x
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