When it came to preparing a post for this week, all I could think was “I don’t have time” and “I’m stretched too thin” and “I need to look after my mental health and I need to be mindful of self care”.
I’m doing The 100 Day Project and whilst I’m loving it, it is taking up a lot more of my time and energy than I had thought it would on top of the stress & resulting energy drain that the state of the world is currently having on me, and all my usual jobs and commitments. I have recognised that I’m feeling very ‘tank empty’ and need to take some steps to lighten my load and take care of myself. I’ve decided that from this point on, until my ‘The 100 Day Project’ is complete, I will only be posting my The 100 Day Project round up posts each fortnight and no other posts on the days or weeks between (except my next ‘Taking Stock‘ post which is due at the end of September).
So this week I’m bringing you too a reminder to take care of yourself and your mental health during these very troubling times, particularly those of you in Sydney (and other cities in lockdown)! The Delta variant situation in Sydney particularly, but now also Melbourne and Canberra, is very worrying. It’s stressful and anxiety inducing and we wonder if we will ever see an end to it all and regain some semblance of normality again. Then there is the dreadful situation in Afghanistan and the devastation in Haiti. Of course, I’m not going to get into the details about these here. I just wanted to gently remind you that these things take a toll even if you’re not really aware of it. Stress (and depression & anxiety) can creep up on you!
So please, make whatever adjustments to your daily routines that you need to, and that you can, to help lower the stress levels in your body and bring some peace to your mind. As someone who has suffered the consequence of living with chronic stress, I know only too well how important this is.
My tips:
- Find a reliable source and decide how you plan to keep up with the news that you need to know and stick to that only. Avoid & reduce exposure to all other news sources. Many sensationalise and dramatise and induce panic.
- Look after your diet – try and get good nutrition into you to support your immune & nervous system.
- Get some sunshine & outdoor time each day where you can.
- Try and get some daily exercise.
- Get up, shower, get dressed nice, pop a bit of make up on – whatever you need to do to feel good!
- Talk to family and friends – stay in touch and don’t bottle up how you’re feeling.
- Do activities that you enjoy (I draw and paint) and that bring you some mindfulness time where you’re so focussed on what you’re doing that you can forget all the worries of the world.
- Have a routine. It can differ day to day but routine helps you feel a sense of control.
- Seek assistance if you feel you need some help. You could contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service.
So since I feel like I’m stretched a bit too thin and my tank is running on empty, I’ll leave this post here and urge you to be mindful of how you’re feeling and take the steps needed (no matter how big or small) to take good care of yourself. As Dalai Lama says:
If you feel burnout setting in, if you feel demoralised and exhausted, it is best, for the sake of everyone, to withdraw and restore yourself.
Ciao for now,
Linking up with Denyse Whelan for #LifeThisWeek
12 Comments
These are very good tips, Min. I hope you’re taking time for self care and feeling better. #lifethisweek
Thank you Natalie! Hope you have a wonderful week. xo
Thanks Min, I feel for you. There is so much going on in the world and it’s all very worrying. I can’t seem to settle to much these days and get distracted easily. I’m not eating all that well and cooking sweet things quite a lot. I am trying to get more regular exercise and joining in with friends online helps me in this way. Great tips and thanks for sharing. Take care xx
I’m ok Deb. It’s just such a heavy world at the moment and I have other worries that I don’t share on here. I love challenges and feeling a sense of purpose and achievement but sometimes I can overwhelm myself with too much to do! At least I recognise it and i know when I need to ease back and take a bit of care. BTW – I’m snacking too much and eating sweet stuff (which I don’t usually) too and I know I’ve gained a bit of weight as a result. I don’t weigh myself though as that won’t achieve anything. It’s tough times for us all and we need to be kind with ourselves. I’m glad you have found ways to help you feel better too! xo
Hi Min – these tips are spot on and I can tell they come from experience! I make a point of steering clear of the news on TV and online. I read the newspaper on the weekends – it feels less sensational and more a presentation of the facts. News reporting has become about click-bait and competing for views these days – so I don’t trust a lot of it. I also steer away from any “discussions” on vaccines, covid, etc on SM because emotions run too high for a lot of people.
Look after yourself and enjoy your art – I can see you developing your style through the 100 day process – and it’s so good that you’re enjoying it and finding it an escape from the stress of what we’re all dealing with these days. xx
They sure do come from experience Leanne but I still have to remind myself to be kinder and gentler on myself anyway. Yes the click bait news is bad – so much drama and panic inducing stuff which is so dangerous. Also lots of rubbish that is not factual or true. I don’t discuss politics or my views on vaccines (though it’s obvious I am pro vaccine) online either because my skin is just not thick enough! Hope you have a wonderful week! xo
I was feeling the burnout and took a week off work.. then that week went to {adjective} and I need another! Sigh. One day I’ll feel restored. Doing what we can to create space but it’s not quite enough at the moment.
That was a good move to take a week off work! Shame you couldn’t have two weeks off! I find with me that the first week is me trying to unwind and the second week is when I actually relax and start to enjoy. Take care of yourself! xo
I have been lapping up the sunshine. Today and the week ahead are not looking good. It’s already messing with me.,….meh
Good post – good tips.
That is good to hear – I love lapping up the winter sunshine (not so much in summer haha). Keep your chin up – this all has to end eventually. xo
Good to read how you have re-calibrated your daily life to work better for you MIn. I understand this completely.
I ration my twitter time and only look at summaries relating to covid. I see far too many people using the various state press conferences to view and then get worried and even more upset by them.
Just at the time of writing this both of us are knowing of the death of the generous and art-loving teacher Tracey and if there is one reminder to live the best life you can while you can its seeing that Tracey is no longer here.
I have given myself more freedom to do and learn new art techniques on line but with little to no posting. I am enjoying the learning. Blogging is going well but I am looking forward to Women of Courage closing as a series because that has served its purpose.
I sent care packages to both families with school aged kids this week and it helped me feel more connected with our grandkids when we cannot see them in person.
Thank you for joining the Life This Week crew on my blog with your post. Next week the optional prompt is sharing your snaps. I hope to see your post there, on or off prompt and wish you well too. Denyse.
I am definitely feeling a bit stretched for time lately Denyse and overwhelmed so something needed to change. Yes, I am so very sad about Tracey. Even though I kinda had a feeling things weren’t good, it is always a shock to hear of the passing of a friend. Having now lost two friends this year – only a month apart – it’s a reminder of how fragile and precious life is and how important it is to use our time wisely. Your Women of Courage series has been fabulous but I do understand how things can’t go on forever. You’re so kind to have sent those care packages Denyse … it doesn’t surprise me though as you are such a kind and thoughtful person. xo