Resetting our Sanity

I cringe as I once again write words relating to the pandemic. I'm sick of the constant gloomy Covid-19 news coverage and I feel it's vital I shine more light on how important it is to nurture our mental health. My motivation arises from a personal nature and I'm wondering if others are experiencing similar sensations. I seem at times to be losing my marbles and I blame it on what I call, Corona-induced Brain Mush.

Usually organised and prepared for any activity great or small, I'm all over the shop lately, flying clumsily by the seat of my pants. My memory often fails me, I have difficulty putting two words together as I write, and my zest for any pursuit lacks its usual depth. Often, for a split second, I just don't care about anything anymore - but of course, I do.

Recently I bumped into an acquaintance I hadn't seen for a long while. We shared friendly words and our encounter significantly brightened my unsettled mood. Later that afternoon, as I mowed my lawns and happily reminisced of our spontaneous meeting, to my horror it suddenly occurred to me I had called my friend by the wrong name, in fact numerous times! I frantically rang him to apologise profusely, feeling like a complete fruitcake.

Often I fail to remember names, period. I don't easily recognise people wearing beanies and masks and when I do, their names escape me until after our brief meetings. I'm also usually oblivious to which day of the week it is, especially if lockdown prohibits me from attending my specific days of employment.

After the fifth lockdown ended, I organised to enjoy a meal with dear friends at the local hotel. By the time we left, the venue was filled with patrons and it was wonderful to see the pub so supported. Surprisingly though, I felt a little overwhelmed and uncomfortable surrounded by such a large crowd of people. I found this bizarre and I'm convinced too many prolonged periods of isolation are to blame.

Each time we come out of lockdown I discover my work pants have shrunk! The instant gratification of delicious, sweet chocolate soothes my soul, but oozes down to my waistline leaving lasting, unwanted evidence of its enjoyment. This isn't healthy, nor does it lift my sombre mood as I attempt to fasten my strides.

My constant worries for overseas loved ones trying so hard to survive, weigh heavily on my shoulders, while concerns for the global unpredictability of the future leave me feeling on edge. Writing usually lifts my spirits, but the solitary diversion requires persistent concentration I seem to lack. Continual, incoming, distractive thoughts annoyingly bombard my mind.

Sometimes, just for a second, I close my eyes and wish to beam myself into a completely different (Corona-free) life. However, the thought of my daily responsibilities and my precious pets quickly pull me into line. I continue to plod along as best I can, yet these days, with a touch of apathy.

Through the daily, fluctuating Covid-19 numbers announced in Australia and around the world, my waking 'Each day closer to normality' mantra, which has kept me going throughout this last year, has lost its effective power. I need to dig deep to find a new, empowering slogan, but it's difficult when dreams I wish to fulfil are now mere flickers of light retreating into the far distance. I fear I may soon kiss them goodbye forever as they vanish into oblivion.

BUT, and there is always a 'but', no matter how the Covid-19 pandemic is affecting our mental wellbeing, there are a range of helpful strategies and informative expert advice to lean on. Research shows that mental health issues were at least twice as prevalent last year compared to pre-pandemic times. The continuing, incalculable progression throughout this year surely hasn't lessened the pressure. If anything, it's escalated. We need to become increasingly creative to better support ourselves and our tribes.

We may not be able to personally control things like the economy or the virus itself, but we can control our own actions and strive to form 'feel good' healthy habits, which may assist us to rise above our emotional disharmony. Perhaps, with good intentions we initially set goals to nurture ourselves throughout the Victorian virus-induced restrictions, but eventually felt too tired, too busy or were too focussed on others to maintain our ambitions. For those who remained committed, well done! For the rest of us, now is the time to either get back on the horse or set new, constructive, achievable goals. By taking good care of ourselves we're in far stronger positions to cope, as well as help those around us.

Implementing simple activities, such as a half hour walk to start our days, while deeply breathing in the fresh, crisp air, will stimulate blood flow and encourage our endorphins to dance. This will help set up our days in a positive way. Sharing the walk with a friend, even better. A session of daily yoga stretches or basic physical exercises can release built up tensions and toxins in our muscles and joints. By aiming to incorporate these practices at the same time each day, habits will easily form and will reset and recharge our wellbeing.

Our diets too, need constant attention, especially mine it seems! If we eat heavy, fatty foods, we consequently feel lethargic and unmotivated. If we eat colourful, nutritious meals, we're energised and light on our feet. Our moods reflect our eating habits and listening to our bodies to find a comfortable balance is beneficial for our mental and physical health.

Maintaining social contact with friends and family is vital. Whether it's face to face or virtual, keeping in touch with trusted souls and sharing our feelings is healthier than bottling them up. Withholding negative emotions can disrupt the normal function of our stress hormones and may lower the strength of our immune systems.

If we're feeling downhearted, a powerful game changer is the art of gratitude. Taking a few minutes each day to reflect on all the goodness we can be thankful for in our lives, helps to regain our perspectives of how lucky we are, especially living in Australia. Although there are those among us who have devastatingly lost family or friends to Covid-19, we've escaped the brunt of the pandemic wrath if we compare it to other parts of the world. However, I certainly don't wish to disparage the passing of any loved ones. People have lost their nearest and dearest under extremely tough conditions, which makes the grieving process all the more difficult.

Another meaningful and joyous task we could implement into our daily lives is the gift of giving. I strive to accomplish at least one good deed every day. There are countless, creative ways to perform acts of kindness. Endeavour to notice opportunities as they arise.

In between our responsibilities, chores and (intermittent) work, let's prioritise pockets of time to lose ourselves in uplifting, self-nurturing activities. Let's read a book, have a power nap, hug our pets more, nurture our gardens, jump puddles with our kids, try out a new recipe, meditate, write a letter, a poem, draw, do a crossword, a puzzle or connect with a friend we haven't spoken with for a long while. Let's indulge in any interests on a regular basis, which make our hearts sing.

Life, as we knew it, has dramatically changed with a new Covid-19 norm in place. As we journey through the upheaval and try to adapt, self care and holistic wellbeing is imperative and requires daily attention and effort. Let's reassess our lives and establish effectual, healthy fundamentals to assist us through this unprecedented time, in the hope we again one day reach a more familiar and secure lifestyle.

If you are struggling and seek support, Beyond Blue offers a Corona Virus Mental Wellbeing Support Service.
By calling 1800 512 348 you can talk to a trained counsellor 24/7. Alternatively, you can connect with the online chat forum to share your experiences.

Let's do whatever it takes to keep our cups full, one small step at a time if need be. This wretched pandemic will not defeat us! (I think I may have just discovered my new mantra!)