Article from the 1st issue (Nov 2020) of Ensemble Magazine, click here to access the full issue
Trigger words: ‘lockdown’, ‘quarantine’, and ‘isolation’. Whilst our physical health and of those around us is very important, it can be easy to forget about our mental health. When life starts to feel constricted to the 4 walls we call home, it can be easy to feel blue, down, and downright lazy. So how do you get out of this rut? Personally, I have been through phases over the last few months of these little downward spirals. Where my boredom has got the worst of me, and I have been questioning EVERYTHING. This is where my unproductiveness converted to stress. But that’s ok. We are all amidst a global pandemic. Tough challenges such as the distance from loved ones, the tricky job market, and the struggles of what to do on a Friday night, can all feel like a bit too much.
I hope I can somehow help to alleviate that stress, even if it is momentarily, or distract you with some inspiration with Ensemble Magazine.
What is Stress?
NHS describes stress as the body's reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure. Look around - you have a legitimate reason to feel stressed. We have all been dealt with the ‘it’s 2020 card’. Stress is normal. It’s human. For me, from an objective point of view, I’ve had a very privileged life during a global pandemic. I have been living at home, and although unemployed, I have had a roof over my head and food on my plate (perhaps too much food). Yet, I have still felt 'stress' in many subconscious ways like Bruxism (grinding teeth during sleep). I had many chronic pain episodes, several 111 calls, eczema flare-ups, and other skin-related issues. My mental health was influencing my physical health. Every time I spoke to the doctors or nurses, they would always ask me ‘Are you stressed?”. My immediate response was “no, no I have no reason to be”. But actually, after deeper thought, maybe this pandemic, job insecurity, and uncertainty that came with life after University was harder on me than I first thought. I have always been a notorious planner so when I felt like I didn’t have clear answers to questions like “What will my life look like in the next 6 months”, I must admit I became anxious.
I didn’t keep this to myself. I spoke to my family, my friends, and not only were they comforting but they could also relate to and share my experiences and feelings. They aren’t kidding when they say ‘talk to someone about it, reach out’ because you might surprise yourself. They may be feeling something very similar. And with that, I want to share some ways I have dealt with my stress:
Talk
Talk about it with your friends, family, colleagues, or whoever you may feel comfortable confiding in. Not only will it comfort you to ‘release’ your stress, but those you speak to may have some great insight to reframe your perspective. And if they don’t have the perfect ‘solution’ to your stress, talking to someone will help alleviate the heaviness and sense inevitably that you may be feeling.
Meditate
No seriously. A little practice - after reading this sentence close your eyes and take 3 big deep breaths… seriously do it… don’t you already feel a bit better? Biologically speaking, you are delivering more oxygen to your body. That means, with every deep breath you are becoming that much more alive. Meditating does not have to be a big practice of spirituality that requires hours of your day. Mediating is very simple, it is learning to sit with your thoughts, both good and not so good ones. There is an abundance of resources like HeadSpace, Youtube clips, etc, or just do it the old-fashioned way and sit with a timer and focus on your breath. Meditation gives you control and liberation. It gives you the much-needed pause from everything. Your mind needs a break.
Be a romantic
I am rebranding 'practicing gratitude' to being aware. Be aware of both big and little things that are going well in your life. Whether that is being thankful for your family, or appreciating your morning coffee. Practice romanticizing your life. Remember your life is someone else’s dream. Live like a romantic, find love and gratitude in the ordinary.
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