This past week has been a whirlwind to say the least. I’m not sure about you, but my life got turned upside down.
The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious thing, and it’s definitely cause to stay home and follow the recommended guidelines. However, if I’m being honest, it hasn’t been easy for me.
I was listening to a podcast by Mike Foster the other day and he was sharing how we’re living in such interesting times. We’re all experiencing trauma and/or grief at the same time. Our world will look differently after this is over.
My kids (2 boys) go to public school, now they are being home schooled by me. My husband is now working from home. We are no longer seeing clients in-person with MK Redesign, and Molly & I aren’t meeting in person. All of my social times with friends, canceled. Trips to visit friends, canceled. Having “me” time at my favorite coffee shops, canceled.
I’m not trying to be a “debbie downer” here, I’m trying to say a lot has changed in the last week. PLUS, the worry of what’s going on with friends, family, the spread of the virus, loss of jobs, etc. Let’s just say I’ve been a big case of emotions. 😉
This week I’ve started to get into a new routine of when we do school, when I work, when I do things around the house…. It’s going okay. I’m learning and I’m giving myself grace each day. Each day I learn what works and what doesn’t. Some days it goes great, and some days I need a nap and the kids get an extra movie. We’re all trying to figure this out.
I thought I’d share some things that’ve been helpful for me in this transition to “safer at home” living.
- Daily Walks
- Getting up before everyone. (this does not come naturally for me!!! However, the quiet is incredibly peaceful)
- Prayer/Journaling
- Deep breathing
- Boundaries with time. Setting times when I work and when I turn work off.
- Making time to be creative.
- Naps
- Being Silly
- Funny Gifs/Memes
- Limiting News
- Next Right Thing Podcast (What to do When The World Shuts Down) & Fun Therapy Podcast (Surviving COVID-19 And Building Markers Of Hope)
- Facetime/Google Duo with friends & family
- Peaceful music
- Reframing. I have to…into…I get to…
- Creating cozy spaces in my house
I understand that this time has so many blessings. More time with family, deeper connection with friends by sharing the hardships, finding joy in the small things. However, I don’t want to discredit the emotional work that’s happening in each of us during the pandemic.
Please take time to process how you’re doing (speaking to myself too). Let’s reach out to friends & family and be real honest with how we’re doing. No one has it all together.
My hope is that you’ll be able to take time to process your emotions, let people in, cozy up in your home, and keep hoping that brighter days are yet to come.
I’d love to know. How’ve you been handling this? Has it been a big change for you? What are you doing for self care?
-Kirsten