Better days

Let's be honest with each other for a minute, no one is exactly brimming with joy right now. The world is simultaneously both in chaos and at an absolute stand still right now. Any sense of normality or structure for the majority went out the window nearly a year ago now and for those still required to carry on as normal the permanent knowledge it might cost them their physical wellbeing has got to weigh heavily on them.

As someone who has experienced a colossal rollercoaster of emotions and emotional and mental wellbeing over the years I have a little experience when it comes to managing personal turmoil. Although I will be the first to admit I don't always tackle it as quickly or as a efficiently as I know I should.

To some people there will be suggestions on this list that may seem a little obvious or even unnecessary but I can assure you each and every one of them has applied to me at one point or another. Also let me clarify this list is not a structured checklist. Not all may apply to each person and as with all things selfcare can be a chicken and the egg situation as to where to start.

1.) Sleep.

Obvious I know. However, more and more of the people around me have mentioned a complete change or loss of routine lately. The thing a lot of people don't realise is there is a lot more factors to healthy sleep than you might realise. Too much sleep can be just a detrimental as not enough. Quality of sleep is also a major factor. Being in bed for 10 hours doesn't necessarily equate to well rested. There are a million studies and articles around the subject so feel free to delve into the topic if you think it might be an issue for you, but as far I am aware the opinion still stands that a regular sleep routine (where you got to bed at the same time each night) is your safest bet. Pair that with a regular aphorism of my youth " an hour before midnight is worth two after" and I would say you're well on track to getting your needs met. Obviously there are other factors in some cases, work commitments, early parenthood and various others that make it impossible to stick to it 100 percent but as best as possible is a good enough aim in my book.

2.) Nutrition.

So, I would live on pizza and cookies if my waistline and my mental health could hack it. But they can't and they are closely linked in my case. I go up and down in weight but keeping it down definitely contributes to my overall wellbeing. For me personally, those few extra pounds (or in some cases stone) effect me a lot. I find my sleep, social interactions and overall happiness deteriorate quickly and drastically when I'm at my heavier end, that being said that doesn't apply to everyone and I am no by no means a supermodel even at my best. What I do believe applies to everyone is the quality of what we are using to fuel our bodies. If you are running on caffeine, fat and sugar i promise you it isn't doing you any good. I basically didn't eat vegetables until my late twenties. Whether or not it is in fact one of the main contributors to my emotional struggles is a study for someone far more qualified than me to conduct. What I can tell you is since I became a parent I began to teach myself to eat better to set a better example to my kid. Part of that has been actively keeping up with current dietary recommendations and wellbeing standards to help me make informed choices. Just over a year ago I found a series of articles and research suggesting that a plant-based or vegan diet can have startling effects on your wellbeing both physically and mentally. I am not suggesting everyone who's having a bad time go vegan, its a big commitment. Personally I chose the 'Plant-Based' route as it leave a little more flexibility and was less intimidating. Again, not pushing drastic lifestyle changes here BUT I honestly believe it improved my nutritional intake and I saw real changes come of that. Since lockdown 3.0 I have let it slide a lot and I'm really regretting it. Not suggesting you give up bacon sandwiches ( something I miss, a lot) but just make sure you're getting your 5 (or is it 10 now) a day. And water, drink your water. I actually wrote a short piece last year on how the effects of dehydration run eerily close to the symptoms of depression.

https://shopping-feedback.today/longevity/h2-o-and-the-daily-goal

It pretty thrown together but the facts still stand. Something so simple could make a huge difference.

3.) Alcohol. Now this is a tricky one. I am not suggesting anyone give up anything they enjoy. Especially right now where lets be honest there's literally NOTHING else to do right now. What I am saying is are you really enjoying it though? I like a good drink, sometimes a bit too much, and sometimes for the wrong reasons. Whether we like it or not, alcohol is a drug, and most drugs are a short term solution that create long term problems. Usually when they're being used as escapism. Which, in the current climate, I think we're all doing right now. I once read an interview with Charlize Theron where she said her father has always told her to Drink to feel even better, never just to feel better' and I think that's very poignant right now. After sinking two bottles of Rose and unbottling a world of ignored stress and misery on a Tuesday night recently I for one will be dialling it back and keeping an eye on it for now. The last thing any of us need on the other side of this is liver failure.

4.) Activities.

I love a Netflix binge as much as the next girl having completed the recently released Bridgerton in one sitting. However, any psychologist worth their salt will tell you it is not healthy to make it your only outlet or investment. Especially at a time where our normal stimulation from work and genuine human interaction has been torn away from our daily lives.

Please, please, please go outside. Get daylight and fresh air. Whether it's a casual walk or a physically exerting run actually leaving the house is so much more important that so many people realise. We even sometime just go to the pothole filled alleyway behind our house in the pissing rain to go puddle jumping.

Read. A book, a magazine (maybe not a newspaper right now). Reading activates and uses a different part of the brain to watching. If you really hate reading, try an audio book. There are so many services out there and apps that take two minutes to set up and add a new element to your day.

Family games night. A cliché I know and if you're lockdown is a solo one maybe organise a zoom quiz which one of my very clever friends did for us recently or a distanced game of battleships (pizza box model of course) but again its about get that variety of human interaction.

The worst feeling in my opinion is being surrounded by people but feeling completely alone. I for one have experienced that a lot recently and I sure others have to.

5.) Make room for yourself.

We are all in each others pockets right now. Being in physical proximity to another human being doesn't always equate to feeling warm and fuzzy and 'close'. It can be overwhelming and damn right irritating to never feel like you get to be alone. That walk I mentioned earlier, it doesn't have to be a group outing. or send your partner out with the kids. Lock the bathroom door once in a while and have that bath in peace. Whatever it is, make sure you are taking time for yourself.