Pandemic – a word that has now been etched into our everyday vocabulary. If you were one of the naive few that thought this would all blow over in a year – welcome, we’re glad that we were not the only ones.
As new variants pop up and lockdown restrictions continue to switch between numbers, many of us are left feeling as though we’ve hit a wall. Stress, burnout and fatigue have slowly woven themselves into the fabric of our lives as we continue to struggle to make sense of this global mess.
So, how do we deal with the inevitable crash and burn? By consciously taking care of ourselves and those around us. Here are a few simple ways that may just help you through it:
A walk on the wild side
Here’s a reminder – go outside! A constant need to self-isolate and social distance has made us complacent with spending time indoors. While there’s nothing wrong with watching Netflix all day, there’s tons of scientific research that proves all the wonderful benefits that spending time in nature can have. A simple walk in your local park or grabbing a book and heading out onto your balcony can do a lot for your mental state. So, go out there and breathe in that precious fresh air.
Get your hands dirty
We all know how therapeutic nature can be, so why not get your hands dirty and plant something. Gardening has some incredible benefits, including watching something grow from nothing – it’s a powerful feeling knowing that you’ve nurtured something as delicate as a seedling. If you can, plant a variety of vegetables and flowers in your garden. There’s nothing more amazing than munching on vegetables you’ve grown yourself or decorating your home with flowers from your garden. No space? No problem! Grab a few pot plants and dedicate a corner to your very own indoor garden, and watch as your home becomes a plant oasis.
Make plans for the future
We’re living in uncertain times, so you may feel a little apprehensive when making future plans. However, setting plans for the future, like a simple COVID-friendly holiday with your friends or family, can give you something to look forward to while stimulating your creative energy. It may also help to keep your mind preoccupied and away from the doom and gloom of the news. Travel doesn’t have to be the only thing on your list either. It could be a home renovation or anything that will get you excited.
Don’t forget “me time”
Practising self-care should always be our number one priority, but it’s never been more important than now. Indulging in “me time” doesn’t have to be an extravagant affair but can be as simple as taking a bath or reading your favourite book. Setting aside 10 minutes each day to focus on your needs will do wonders for your mental and physical state.
Talk to friends
If you’re an extrovert, this point may not apply to you. But, to all the introverts out there – don’t forget to socialise! We’re working from home, and we’re social distancing, and it can be incredibly easy to slip into a routine where spending time with friends or family is no longer a factor. Phone screens are overrated, and human interaction is important, so make sure you head outside and have a socially distant park date with a friend.
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Picture: Alja Jorvat