Spring is usually a time of year, when we start to feel energised after the darkness of winter. Yet this year, many of us are feeling tired, stressed and fearful of the future. There are times when just getting out of bed is a real effort.
The days seem to melt into each other, time seems to expand and contract of its own accord, weekends are indistinguishable from weekdays, and our emotions switch between boredom and anxiety.
The novelty, enthusiasm and collective resilience that seemed to get us through the first two lockdowns seems to have disappeared, and people are reporting feeling flat, low and, in some cases, completely emotionally numb. In other words, we are existing rather than living right now, and it is grinding us all down.
In theory, after a year of lockdowns you might think we’d be better able to cope. We’ve had plenty of practice at dealing with boredom, staying connected with each other and keeping ourselves healthy. So why now, as we look forward to restrictions gradually being eased, do many of us feel so down? I think that most people like certainty in their lives and right now nothing is certain. Uncertainty causes stress, makes it harder to focus and often difficult to sleep. Living under the cloud of uncertainty for twelve months has gradually worn us down.
There is no easy answer, but admitting how you feel and talking to other people about it, is a good first step. You’ll soon realise you’re not alone. Creating routines in your life also help.
Go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time, this will put your body into a rhythm and eventually make it easier to get a decent night’s sleep.
Try to challenge yourself in small some way, you could try meditation, join an online book club or learn something new.
Make it part of your routine to exercise daily, this doesn’t mean you need to run 10k every day. I know we’re all feeling like we can’t do another walk round the block, so try something different if you can. You could try cycling, walking a different route, a yin yoga session in your lounge or a Zoom Pilates class. Moving our bodies moves our mood. Using energy creates energy, and this will increase your motivation.
If you’re a dog owner, just spending time outdoors with your dog will help lift your mood. Stroking a pet has been shown to have a calming effect and slows the heart rate, you’ll also be rewarded with lots of unconditional love.
Finally just remember nothing stays the same forever, the pandemic will come to an end. If you catch yourself feeling anxious about the future, bring your thoughts back to the here and now. Today, after all is a gift (that’s why it’s called the present), try to make it count in the best way you can.
We are all in this together, but there is hope.
Sending you lots of positive thoughts
Jo (Willow and Daisy) xxx
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