There are always going to be times when we find ourselves feeling odd, perhaps emotional, and generally a bit ‘out of sorts’, and sometimes it’s hard for us to put our finger on just what the cause is. However, if you’re feeling funny and not quite yourself right now, there are more than a few easily identifiable reasons…
Why right now?
The strange Covid-19 world we’re currently experiencing is creating all sorts of issues for people, mentally, physically and emotionally. It’s draining for a lot of us, and for plenty of reasons.
You may have more people at home than you’re used to. Our social batteries often only last so long, especially if you’re somewhat introverted, and expending extra energy just being around more people more often, can be exhausting. Maintaining an upbeat tone or trying to stay positive for other’s benefit can take its toll.
Alternatively, if you’re an extrovert and have been thrust into a more isolated lifestyle, you’re likely to feel overwhelmed with loneliness or boredom. Your energy comes from being around others and to suddenly have that taken from you will mean you’re likely to feel drained of enthusiasm.
You may have noticed it’s taking more work to achieve the same thing. Just ‘running out to the store’ seems a thing of the past, now with lines and social distancing rules, meaning you can’t simply grab and go as you once would have. If you’re tired and drained of energy, you may be approaching tasks with a less than enthusiastic attitude compared to normal, even if it’s something you usually relish.
Our day to day routines and patterns have been increasingly interrupted. You may be getting up later or going to bed later than usual, your mealtimes may have been thrown out of sync, not to mention any exercise routine, even if it was simply walking to work. And this interruption has a clear effect. When our patterns are interrupted, we may tend to eat more, and eat less healthily. This in turn means we’ll have less energy and so we find it easier to skip exercise, creating a vicious cycle.
So, what can be done?
Although we’re not able to change what’s going on around us externally, there are ways in which we can combat this feeling of being drained, by looking inward and making choices.
1. Take a ruthless and honest assessment of where you and your family are now
Look at your home situation. What have you got to be thankful for? What improvements could be made? How can you all help each other through this? Really look at how you’re all feeling and what behaviors you’re all exhibiting. This will help you identify where you need to be more empathic, or stricter with yourself or your children, for example. It will help you be more patient where need be, as well as aid you in finding resolution to any irritations or annoyances.
2. Make choices to support your values and dreams
Don’t be tempted to forget about yourself, your passions, and your ambitions. You are important and you matter. Things may feel so far away for a lot of us at the moment, but this will pass, and your values and dreams will remain. Give yourself some space to rekindle any passion you may have lost.
3. Be okay with imperfection
Remember, it’s ok to not be ok. It’s so very tempting to try to be super productive, learn a new skill, finish a project you’ve been putting off or generally feel you should be achieving more. For many of us, during these unfamiliar times, the pressure is overwhelming so remember to be kind to yourself and accept that things may not be as perfect as you’d like, and that’s ok.
There is a light…
Times like these are truly tough for us all. Remind yourself of the value you hold as well as the value of others. Look inward, be patient with yourself and accept that there are certain things that simply can’t be helped right now, be gentle and less expectant. Keep your heart-centered choices at the forefront of what you do, and that should give you the clarity, energy, and motivation you need to keep moving forward.
Find out more in my second blog – (More Energy, Less Overwhelm.)