Worried? Anxious? Uncertain? Many of us are feeling all of these emotions and more, at the moment. This week is Mental Health Awareness week and the theme is ‘Kindness’. If you have been feeling a whole raft of emotions then it might be time to remember to be kind to yourself.
Go easy on yourself, this is a strange time and although you might have more time than usual at the moment, this doesn’t mean you will feel like reorganising the house or learning Japanese! Your worries and concerns might leave you just about keeping on top of the day to day stuff and you know what? That is absolutely fine. Try not to compare yourself to others and remember your friends’ social media posts are just a snippet in time, we are all having our good days and bad. It’s okay not to be okay and it’s okay to feel okay too!
Don’t forget there are lots of resources you can access on the Mind website and if you need to talk you can call the Samaritans; 0330 094 5717. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to someone you don’t know, especially if you don’t want to add to someone else’s worries. If you are feeling overwhelmed and out of sorts right now then here are a few tips that might help you.
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Slow Down
Seriously, repainting the entire house and decluttering the house doesn’t have to be done just because you are at home. Read a book, sit outside, take a bath, binge watch that series on Netflix. Just slow down and lower your expectations of yourself.
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Go for a walk
There is something amazingly therapeutic about walking, if you are feeling down, get outside and go for a walk to clear your head. If you can go for a walk in the countryside or somewhere in nature even better, drink in the sounds and smells of your surroundings. Even if it feels like the last thing you want to do, we promise you will feel better for it.
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You are not a teacher!
You might have the children at home and be playing teacher along with all the usual chores and jobs to do. There will also be various posts from friends with charts and schedules that would rival any teachers, but remember they are just trying their best too and it’s not a competition. If your best is making sure they are simply fed, happy and loved then that is enough. This is an unprecedented time and I think it’s safe to say there is no right or wrong, just ‘right for you and your family’.
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Switch off from the media
Limit how often you check the news, especially before bedtime. In fact, if you can, leave your phone elsewhere to remove temptation. Sometimes habit has you reaching for your phone and you will honestly feel better for not reading what the media have to say every hour of the day.
Keep safe and be kind to yourself!
