It's a different time. We are facing many unknowns and high levels of uncertainty. We are experiencing changes we've never seen before and there is no way to know how long this will all last. Even if you are generally doing well with all of it, it is completely normal, even expected, to face slumps - periods of doubt and low morale.
More...
Off to a good start!
Monday and Tuesday went really well.
- The homeschooling was fun (thank goodness for all the resources out there that the school and the community are sharing!).
- I got in some good work time and found different ways to connect with my audience.
- We got lots of outside time. Check out these photos from Patapsco Valley State Park! And yes, Michael hiked in a bike helmet (and elbow pads and knee pads...)
And then the slump hit...
Wednesday... Wednesday was harder.
I felt a bit anxious, tired, and uninspired. My patience was stretched thin and it took A LOT to stay calm and focused.
- I found myself looking at the clock a lot, wondering how much longer the day was going to be.
- I found myself thinking about food frequently (which I have to be mindful of because... emotional eating).
- I was irritated by how much my husband was or wasn't helping.
- I wished my kiddo could just keep himself entertained a little longer so I could get stuff done.
Truth: This is perfectly normal
Have you experienced anything like this as you've adjusted to your new normal? Or any time you've tried to make a change in your life?
If so, I want you to know that you are not alone and nothing has gone wrong. A slump is absolutely not an indicator of how well you're doing or if you will be successful in the long run.
It's just how our brain responds to change. We go through emotional highs and lows.
- Periods of optimism followed by periods of doubt.
- Periods of excitement followed by periods of frustration.
- Periods of contentment followed by periods of exhaustion.
It's nobody's fault and, most importantly, it's not your fault. You are human with a human brain. As such, you are 100% entitled to experience the full range of human emotions.
Getting through the slump
Here are a few of my favorites:
- Express gratitude - what we focus on expands. Focus on the positive and more positive things will appear.
- Move your body - have a dance party, go for a walk, put on a yoga video (there's a great 30-day intro to yoga program on Prime Video).
- Choose fruits and veggies at every meal and drink plenty of water.
- Do a few minutes of deep breathing.
- Name your feelings. Literally say, "I am feeling ______." Notice how it feels in your body.
- Get dressed, brush your teeth, put on makeup - whatever helps you feel ready for the day!
Shorten the slump together
We may be social distancing, but we certainly don't need to feel isolated during this time. In fact, feeling connected during this time is essential to maintaining health and wellbeing.
Please come join my free Facebook group for support in maintaining good health and good spirits: Big Hearts, High Vibes, Good Health
We will get through this together!
Wishing you high vibes and good health!
NOTE: This post was written on March 23, 2020. One week after schools in Maryland closed and many social limitations were imposed due to COVID-19.