I just wanted you to know you're not alone if you are struggling!
I don't know about you but going on social media and seeing what everyone else has been up to during these crazy times has brought on an absolute roller coaster of emotions for me.
The creativity that has blossomed in how we are managing to talk to our friends and families, connect with our neighbours and genuinely make each other smile is awe inspiring.
It genuinely warms my heart and gives that wonderful invisible hug that we are all craving so much.
However with the increase in online resources and numerous articles on how to keep yourself busy and make the most of your time (which I have contributed to as well) it can leave me feeling pretty inadequate, lazy and useless.
During this quarantine I've realised that my motivation has two extremes and no therebetween. I either feel incredibly high, full of life and ready to conquer the world or I feel so tired I cannot focus on anything. I don't take in the television, get through the page of a book without my concentration going, my eyes closing or genuinely feeling anything other than numbness.
Granted this is very much how I am in life with my mental health and depression, however I feel my medication normally gives me the energy needed to keep working on a positive mindset which in turn can help keep the equilibrium between the two extremes.
A major change that has been a positive step is managing to teach our students through Zoom. It's only three lessons a week but it's given me a purpose again in life. It's given me people to smile for and inspire. Seeing them learn & grow even in this adapted situation gives me such a sense of gratitude and love. However on the days that I'm not teaching the feeling still drops as quickly as it came.
So what do you do if you're not working and are struggling with your purpose and therefore motivation to even get out of bed in the morning? I've read (and written) all the tips on what to do; get dressed, exercise, blah blah blah, but you know if you are already feeling low sometimes having the energy to do any of those things feel just impossible. So what do you do in that situation?..
You listen to your body and you give yourself a break. If staying in bed is all you can do then be proud of yourself for getting through that day. The next day will be a new day, why not write a to do list for the next day to have a shower and get dressed?
Ride each wave as it comes and just be kind to yourself.
You may have heard of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. At the moment we just need to work on our basic needs.
Don't feel like after this you should be coming out of it with a new business built, three new languages learnt, a fully decorated house, a landscaped garden, a published book or a Michelin star cooking skill.
The main thing we need to concentrate on is making it out and that's it. If you do anymore than that then great and if you don't then great!
How many times have you asked for your life to have a pause just so you can catch up? When is the next time we will be given a chance to slow down and literally smell the roses!
Life doesn't always have to be "social media" perfect. Just listen to your mind & body, breathe and know you've got this!
Do you have any tips to share with everyone at Happy Thoughts Academy? Contact us and let us know.