Hope for a better future keeps us believing that the pandemic is coming to an end – but emotionally it’s tough to move past the negativity that Covid has brought when restrictions are still making us feel stuck. A taste of freedom, thanks to the warm weather and sunshine in the summer months helped us keep our mind off of the fact that things weren’t quite back to normal. With summer staycations over and autumn in full force, it’s not surprising if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Many of our clients have expressed they find themselves unmotivated, feeling down and easily triggered. Feeling stagnant and blue is not surprising – let’s be honest we’re in this for the long-haul, and while things seem hopeful, it’s likely the pandemic won’t come to a halt anytime soon. So how can we cope with fourth wave woes? Continue reading to learn.
Get into a routine
You have probably heard us express the importance of planning pleasurable events and solidifying them into your calendar. The same can be said with a routine. Scheduling your days and keeping things consistent and structured can help you reduce stress. Let’s be honest, most things in life are unpredictable right now. Introducing structure into your day can give you a sense of control. By managing your own behaviours and schedules, that feeling of control will be reintroduced to your daily life and can improve your focus, organization and productivity – just don’t forget to schedule your self-care!
Get outside
Working from home, playing from home and keeping up with household chores can mean getting outside just falls off the radar. It is however, important to step outdoors, take a deep breath and soak in some vitamin D. Breaking up your day with a brisk walk can give your body some necessary exercise and also improve your self worth. Staying indoors can make you feel stuck or stagnant and while it may be comfortable to hunker down with the weather getting cooler, the benefits of being outside is certainly a reason to break that habit! Studies show that fresh air and greenery can reduce blood pressure, boost your energy and even provide you with inspiration and motivation to continue your day.
Get excited
This might seem like a no-brainer, but having something to look forward to always makes the days go by a little more quickly and excitingly. Embracing anticipation is known to have positive effects on your mental health. Make a fall bucket list and commit to the activities. Check out what’s going on in your town or city and book a ticker or make a reservation. Plan a hike to see the fall colours with a friend. Remember to put these things in your calendar and add them to your schedule so you follow through.
At the end of the day, what’s most important to remember is that we really are all in this together. If you’re feeling down, trust us, you’re not the only one. Sometimes it takes more than tweaking your routine and commitments to move past negative feelings. Reach out to us if you’re in need of some extra support. We’re happy to help you help yourself.