Before COVID-19, we did all sorts of activities meant to add relaxation into our lives, like yoga, pilates, or boxing classes, massage therapy, and other personal appointments – whatever new “shiny” relaxing thing came into view. Yet filling our schedule like that actually creates its own kind of stress.
We rush to get there on time, sometimes only to wait – precious moments we could have used for something else. We may have to shift appointments we already have to accommodate a new one, or arrange for child care or pet care while we’re gone.
It may have felt like we were constantly fighting fires, dealing with deadlines that we may have created ourselves. That’s a lot of work and potential stress in the name of relaxation, and thankfully that sense of urgency has eased up while everyone has been at home. So much so that there is a sense of grief and disappointment about leaving behind that sense of ease and calm to re-enter the world, whenever and however that may happen.
On the other hand, you may have the sense that you should have gotten more done with your time at home. If you’ve been feeling this way, you’re not alone. There was something about this period of time that made it really hard to focus. Whether we were trying to organize some papers, or paint a room, many of us have been struggling with motivation.
We are still in a period of uncertainty, not just in my area on the west coast of Florida, but in the entire state, and the country, and the continent, and the world. While I love change, transition is very difficult, not knowing which changes will become permanent, or if our loved ones will stay healthy. There’s a lot of background noise of fear, sadness, loss, curiosity, and discomfort.
Here are my prescriptions for these pandemic times:
- One yoga pose a day, held for anywhere from one minute to 15 minutes. Start with “legs up the wall” and go from there.
- Try to get out at least once a day into nature. Walk in a park, sit on your fire escape, or even watch a sunrise or sunset out the window if that’s what you can do. Get creative.
- Make a list of things you’ve missed most during COVID-19. Journal about doing them before, and how you plan to do them again when you can – knowing they may look different down the road.
- Stay in the day. It’s important to plan, but sometimes we pre-worry, and we don’t usually work out solutions to our problems that way.
- Try to do one thing every day that may or may not be fun, but you will feel good about completing.
My hope for you, and for all of my clients, family, and subscribers, is to enjoy the people you care about, and those who care about you. Feel their support and support them in return. Let’s stay safe and take precious care of each other.