Stressing About Stress, Week 22 in the Time of Coronavirus
Oh Boy, another opportunity to stress. We are going away to unload stress from city living, and yet here I am stressing about going away. I’ve gotten used to the steady hum of anxiety just below the surface. I have yet to speak to anyone during the pandemic that hasn’t acknowledged added stress. These feelings manifest themselves in many forms. For me, I have a hard time focusing, going from one task to another without completing any of them until I’ve come back around twice.
For the first time in years we will be at a place where there is no WiFi or cell service. To that end I set a deadline for myself to complete this post before we left. Last night was my made-up target. When I failed to do that, I had to search for another word rather than fail to come back to myself with some patience and understanding. Now I’m telling myself I simply did not finish this last night, and am doing that now.
This also meant that my walk, run or bike ride was going to be short today. I didn’t wake up early. Instead I slept until I woke naturally and abbreviated my previous goals. Perhaps we’ll settle in early enough for me to take a walk around the large property this evening. Or, not. Either way, we’re on an adventure. I am in turns, excited and nervous. And I’m interested how my stress will wane in the wooded Catskills.
Self-Care Tips
· Do something sensual. This isn’t necessarily sexual. This has to do with your five senses. Find a scent you like, make touch a sensate experience. Mold clay, taste something divine. Listen to the birds or music, or secondary sounds.
· Make-up with yourself. Think of something for which you got mad at yourself. Now let yourself know that you are your own reclaimed friend. As a friend to yourself you may feel more inclined to treat yourself with respect and compassion.
· Learn something new. Whether you listen to someone who knows something you didn’t know, or whether you look up information online on a site like lifehacker.com or zidbits.com, it’s fun to learn facts, hacks or material new to you.
· Do it differently. Like I had to shorten my run today, as well as my blog post, it can be relieving to accomplish something outside your routine.
· Get away. If you’re not going anywhere try a virtual tour on Fodor’s or another travel website. Or, take a new route on a walk. Or leave your home for a safe place in a new venue. All can expand your outlook.
