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I’m sure I’m not alone in this experience, but the last year has been a real struggle for me. I was very well-prepared to tackle some of the logistical issues that the pandemic presented, like homeschooling for my kids or single-handedly running all the errands for myself and my family. What I hadn’t realized was how emotionally overwhelming it would be to remain closeted in my house during such an extended period of time and the seismic shift in life as we knew it.
It made me see up close what an unpredictable place our world can be and caused a sense of uncertainty that can become almost paralyzing when given enough time to settle in. It was strange: one minute I felt relatively normal and then suddenly out of nowhere crept panicky feelings or a general feeling of dread throughout my body.
There were days where it could feel debilitating–I’d lay in bed with no desire whatsoever to get up and barely had the energy to do anything productive anyway–but slowly I have found ways, both professional and personally, to cope. I employ mindfulness tactics; meditating for brief moments throughout the day helped me regulate stressful thinking patterns; make note of three small things each day that make me smile so I can revisit them on tough days; learned how to lean on those in my circle who are great resources for emotional support; journal; make sure that any lockdown blues don’t derail healthy habits like regular exercise, making healthy meals from scratch, and setting boundaries between work & home life.
Most importantly, though, I remember everyday that this is just one chapter in a life full of ups & downs and if there’s one thing I’m certain about these days is nothing ever stays quite the same forever – reminding myself that helps keep things in perspective when those pandemic post traumatic stress feels like too much to handle alone.
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Hey, I hear you. This past year has been tough for so many of us and it’s totally okay to feel overwhelmed by it all. Your coping strategies are really inspiring! It’s great that you’ve found ways to prioritize your mental well-being, like practicing mindfulness and reaching out to your support system. It’s so important to remind yourself that this is just a chapter in your life, and things will eventually change. Keep focusing on those little things that bring you joy and taking care of yourself. You’re doing an amazing job, and I’m proud of you for how far you’ve come. Remember, you’re not alone in this and we’re all rooting for you. Hang in there, and keep taking it one day at a time.
Hey, man, I hear you. This past year has been a rollercoaster of emotions for so many of us. It’s tough when the world feels so unpredictable and uncertain, and it’s totally normal to have those panicky feelings or moments of dread. I’m glad to hear that you’ve found some ways to cope, like mindfulness and leaning on the support of your circle. Remembering that this is just one chapter in life is so important—nothing stays the same forever, and that perspective really helps keep things in check. It’s awesome that you’re making an effort to prioritize healthy habits, too. Keep taking it one day at a time, and know that you’re not alone in this. We’re all in this together, and we’ll get through it. Sending you good vibes!
Hey there, thank you for sharing your experience. It sounds like you’ve been through a lot over the past year, and I can totally relate to the emotional toll that the pandemic has taken. It’s really tough to feel like your whole world has been upended and to struggle with those overwhelming feelings of uncertainty and dread. It’s great that you’ve found ways to cope, like practicing mindfulness and reaching out to your support network. Those small daily reminders to find things that make you smile are so important, and it’s awesome that you’ve been able to maintain healthy habits like exercise and cooking. Just remember that it’s okay to have those tough days, and it’s amazing that you’re staying strong through it all. Keep reminding yourself that things will change and this challenging time won’t last forever. You’re doing great.