3 tips to survive these days
I am not here to tell you to make a plan or make these self-isolation days count.
The way I see it, is if we can get thru 2020, we can make it thru anything!
Some people will make an oversized plan for the days spent in self-isolation, because that is how they cope best, while others will hibernate and they are both correct.
It’s ok to have big, crazy mixed-up feelings. It’s totally acceptable to take naps as needed. Cry when you feel like it. Watch too much t.v.. And at the same time you’re telling off your husband and FaceTiming with your mother.
I write this as a reminder to us all.
You see, as a rookie survival amateur it wasn’t that long ago that I was faced with the fight of my life. It's real. And it scares the shit out of me.
Out of us.
These days can only get better. If we come together.
I have a few suggestions of how we can do this.
Read, read and read
I was always a big reader. Not self-help or business books, but I read to escape my mind and to enter a place that I could only find on the pages of a book.
After my stroke, I started reading a book that Lulu, my daughter, very sweetly offered me when I was in the hospital. It was called Out Of My Mind and it got me thinking that if I could read that, then I can really read, which was in question at that point.
Johan bought me 4 other books during my stay and among them was Jill Bolte Taylor’s book which I am still trying to finish. Not because her book is anything other than fantastic, but more to do with the fact that I’m in a reduced state.
In the last year, I have collected an amazing array of arsenal against this stroke and for me. Titles that include Norman Doidge’s series on neuroplasticity, Linda Rådestad’s Stroke Rebel and How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body by David R. Hamilton.
I bought a lot of books when I became a stroke survivor.
Here’s the thing, I couldn’t read half of them even if I tried. Between all of my therapies, my family and the fact that, now, I tend to tune out if I read for more than 15 minutes, I find it difficult.
So, when we were put on lockdown, I officially started my campaign to read every day, for 15 minutes to help my cognitive skills, and to listen to 30 minutes of an audiobook to help myself navigate this mess!
So, how about it? Shall we form a book club?
Learn something new
I have learned a lot in the past year, some things for the second time, like walking and talking, for instance.
However, for our brains it is the best way to fight!
If you’ve had a stroke, or if you are above 40 or if you just like to cull over something new, take this opportunity to learn!
At this point in my recovery, I’ve been working hard on my language and writing. It was the first thing I missed and the first therapist I hired was Seth.
We’ve got to know each other pretty darn well as we spend 2 hours a day, every day, including Sundays, together.
But here’s the thing, I did not focus on my handwriting. My speech saw a drastic improvement, while I am still scribbling my chicken scratch for words.
Any memos to myself are voice recorded. Every shopping list is done via my phone.
While you might say that I am lucky to have this option, it hasn’t fared well for my beautiful handwriting. So, I made a pact with myself in COVID19 times, to fix that.
I have started a one line a day journal, where I record my thoughts for the day. I usually try to do this with my morning coffee, when the house is quiet. I’ve also signed up with an online platform to take as many lettering and drawing courses that I want.
Do you have any ideas?
Take care of yourself
Sounds simple, right? We are all safe and sound curled up with Netflix and our families or on our own, lonely but not sick.
The point is, we’re not the ones fighting on the front end, trying like hell to battle this virus.
However, we all have to promise ourselves to continue to add as much normalcy as we positively can.
For me, this means, getting my exercise, taking my pills and doing as much therapy as possible. It also runs a bit deeper than that.
My emotions are running rampant right now. My newly found survivor mentality does not know whether she should make a run for it or just sit back.
I want to focus on my relationships, because I have the time.
I want to up my cognitive abilities, because I have the time.
I want to make a dent in writing my first book, because I have the time.
And then, I find myself all wrapped up in COVID statistics and I freeze.
Care for yourself. Take long baths. Tune out the mayhem for an hour. Eat healthy meals, even if you are cooking for one.
I, myself, struggle with this. I know fully how to push myself and little about how to care.
So, in this time I have to practice, saying my mantras-of-the-minute, lighting my candles and finding a sunny spot to take in some sunshine every day.
I was surprised to find that there were 6 ways that we can take care of ourselves. From the sensory to the physical to the social.
Each one plays an important part in our lives. And, if we neglect one of them, it tends to wreak havoc on the other bits.
So, what’s stopping you? You have the time right?
For a self care menu, click here.
So here we are, trying to figure out this world and how we will fit in to it.
I can recall the fear of 911 and the months following. I am still scared to be a parent and have these little souls in my hands. And to say I am anxious about COVID19 would be an understatement.
All we can do is our best.