Kindness, you go out of your way to show it to others, but do you show it to yourself?  So often we are much kinder to others than to ourselves. This has been especially true during the past months when we are dealing with new stressors related to the pandemic.  Being kind to yourself is important too.

Unusual Circumstances in Uncertain Times

These are unprecedented times in our modern history due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  Here is a few of the things you and others might be experiencing:

  • Self-isolation since March because of high-risk reasons.
  • Extroverts and “social butterfly” people may feel hungry for connection.
  • Introverts may feel relief from “having” to interact and be around other people.
  • Those who live alone may be feeling low and depressed from being in “forced isolation” from people and the lack of in-person interactions with others (think grocery stores, restaurant wait-staff, dry cleaners, etc.)
  • Parents and guardians may be close to their breaking point having to be the parent and teacher for their children 24-hours a day for months on end without a break. We know they love their children, and also know it can be very intense and stressful.
  • Those who are employed AND have children have needed to learn to work from home AND teach at the same time.

Whatever You Are Feeling is OK

Feeling overwhelmed, lost in a sea of repetition, exhausted and unable to recharge is not uncommon. Having difficulty sleeping, changes in eating patterns, feeling irritated, low, fearful or anxious are all too common.  But all of these feelings are OK.

Whatever feelings you have, whatever you are experiencing – It is ok.  Be kind to yourself and ALLOW yourself to BE in whatever way you need to be at this point in time.

It’s ok to feel all of these things, some of these things, or none of them.  Give yourself permission to feel whatever it is that you feel.  And give yourself some grace for doing the best you can in unusual circumstances.

Allow yourself to accept this temporary reality and the feelings that come with it, and stop resisting. Stop beating yourself up over not doing everything perfect or feeling great about this new situation.

Remember It Is a Temporary Reality

Being in flow, by accepting this temporary reality and your feeling/experience, will lift some of the weight that you may be feeling.  We can fight what we cannot control, OR, we can find a way to function WITHIN the circumstances that we can’t control.

Finding a way to function within an uncontrolled situation, gives you some semblance of definition and ability to carve out something that you CAN control.

Things You Can Control

Here are some ideas for things you can control:

  • Decide to create a garden and plant for the coming season.
  • Mediate, stretch daily for 10 minutes at a time.
  • Decide to learn about something new and dive in.
  • Take care of your body by exercising regularly and getting plenty of sleep.
  • Read a new book series.
  • Take an online Master class.
  • Join an online group of people with similar interests.
  • Pick up the phone and CALL (not text or email) someone you are out of touch with.
  • Find a need in your community that you can fill.
    • Read stories and record it on zoom so parents can play them for their kids – gives them a break.
    • Clean your linen closet and give old towels and blankets to the humane society.
    • Knit or quilt lap blankets for people in nursing homes.
    • Write letters to soldiers.
    • Bake cookies for your local police or fire department.

Do You Need More Ideas?

If you need more ideas check out the post 17 Ways to Be Kind to Yourself over at daringtolivefully.com.

Now is not the time to make life-changing decisions.  You can plan…Just don’t do.  After this passes and things return to a “New Normal,” you can take action steps.

Do You Have Career Concerns?

If you are concerned about your career, if you are fearful of being laid off or let go, call me and we can discuss your situation and make a plan that will alleviate your stress level.  Having a light at the end of the tunnel will help during these challenging times.

Other Important Numbers to Know

Below are some helpful numbers to call if the pandemic situation is more than you can handle on your own:

Disaster Distress Helpline   –   1-800-985-5990

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  –  1-800-273-TALK

National Domestic Violence Hotline  –  1-800-799-7233

Veteran’s Crisis Line  –  1-800-273-8255