This is COVID
You're at home. You've been at home for the past ten months. You thought you'd be used to it by now but it is really starting to get to you. This is your new life. This is COVID.
Even though this is the new normal, you may not be used to it and it still isn't ideal. The all too usual interruptions during your work or school meetings - a cat walking by the camera, a dog barking in the background, a child crying, someone yelling - is this really where we are? You are no longer able to separate work and personal life. Everything is bleeding over, and it is difficult to get a break or find space to be by yourself. And the worst part is that no one knows when it will be more controlled and we can go back to the way it was before. Some of you are even saying you don't think it ever will be like before. That thought is really scary for many of you. So... how do we get through it if there is no end in sight??
Humor can help lighten the mood. Some of you have been calling it "The Rona" or "The Vid" and laughing as you say it. It doesn't make it go away, but if it helps you laugh it gets you out of that space for a few minutes, which may be just what you need.
Playing - I know this sounds silly, and when you think of playing you probably think of a board game or some kind of toy, right?? Play can be anything you do just for fun. It can be making up a song as you are doing chores or singing along to your favorite album. It can be pretending you are at a restaurant when you order from that restaurant and have it delivered to your doorstep. It can also be watching a video you enjoy. It doesn't have to be the standard video or board games, although it can be.
Don't forget self care - It's easy to let this one slide. It's normally the first thing to go when you aren't feeling motivated or are feeling too overwhelmed to fit it in. BUT it is probably the one thing that could help. Getting enough sleep, food, water, and connection with those around you is important if you want to have the patience and energy to tackle any of your responsibilities.
Stay tuned for my next blog with tips on how to make sure you are incorporating self care when it feels impossible to do so. Hang in there! We are all in this together!