Living in an Uncertain Time

We’re living in some pretty uncertain and scary times. Now that we’re well over a month into social distancing and staying home as much as we can, it’s really starting to have an effect on everyone (if it hasn’t started affecting us sooner). I’m incredibly grateful to be at home with my parents and brother but it’s hard not to want to strangle (my brother) every so often. I normally spend a great deal of time at home if I’m not at work or school as the majority of my friends live far and being at home this much is even getting to me. I’ve found it difficult to be optimistic as we don’t know when this will end and what the repercussions will be but I’m trying to take things a day at a time and not get too overwhelmed. So I’ve implemented a few steps into my every day (or almost every day) life to make this time a little easier on me and my family.

Slow down and reflect

We live in a very fast-paced world and we quite literally forget or don’t have the time to stop and smell the roses. The internet has allowed us the ability to multitask and spread ourselves over many different avenues. However, with the amount on our plates, we’re not able to slow down and reflect on things that truly matter to us.

Before I go to bed, I think of something in my life that has brought me joy. This can be anything. A trip you’ve taken, a gift you’ve been given, a person you love, just any memory. Imagine how you felt during that time. What you saw and who was with you. Channel this memory and allow it to give you a sense of peace but add a bit of joy to your evening. If your memory includes one of your best friends, reach out and tell them you’re thinking of them. If your memory includes a parent whom you don’t speak to or see very often, call them and share. If your memory includes something you bought yourself or did alone, ask yourself why it brought you joy and try to figure out how you can implement more of that into your everyday life

Try new things

I feel like everyone and their cousin have tried to or have baked bread over the last month. I wanted my dad to teach me how to make sourdough but we couldn’t find any yeast as everyone had been bitten by the baking bug.

This is a great example of trying things you wouldn’t normally do if we weren’t in this situation. Give yourself pink hair. Read a new genre. Move your bed to the opposite side of your room. If you’ve been saying to yourself “you’ll get to that” whatever “that” is, now is your time.

Move

Although we are in spring, a Canadian spring doesn’t always guarantee spring-like weather. But once the days get warmer or if you’re willing to bundle up and head out, go for a walk around the block. Take a turn you wouldn’t normally take. If you own a treadmill or any kind of exercise equipment, give that a try and if you don’t like it, that’s okay! Find a way to get active and your heart pumping.

Indulge

Indulging doesn’t always mean eating, but it can! If you love chips or chocolate or cheese or something else that gives you pleasure, treat yourself to that. If it helps make this time more positive for you, do it!

Indulge in a book. A television series or film. Indulge in something you’re passionate about like writing or baking or even cleaning. Allow yourself to give a little to the things you would normally hold yourself back from doing if you didn’t have the time or the energy pre-pandemic. I believe this time social distancing should teach many things including the ability to not care so much for what others think of you but what you think of yourself and the ability to put yourself above other people. Give yourself the time and energy you give others. Your heart will thank you.

Be patient

Be patient with yourself. What’s happening in the world right now isn’t normal. However you want to cope and understand the situation, do it in a way that works best for you. If you wake up in the morning and don’t feel like getting up or getting dressed, have patience with yourself. It’s okay to feel what you’re feeling.

Be patient with those around you. If you live at home with your parents and siblings, understand that they may not always be having a good day. Give them a minute, an hour, a break. If your friends are being less social online or have gone MIA, give them some space. Send them a text saying you’re there if they need to talk or just leave them be for a while. They know where to find you when they’re ready to talk. Speaking from experience, this can be hard, especially when you know they’re hurting, but people don’t want to be smothered or feel like they’re being smothered, even if that wasn’t your intention. Time heals and love from a distance helps.

Sending you all lots of love and strength during this time. A special thank you to all the frontline workers who are doing what they do not only because they have to but because they want to. We appreciate your work and the sacrifices you’re making.

xx Lex