COVID19. It’s everywhere. You’ve likely been hearing about it for months now and are eagerly waiting the easing of social distancing and other restrictions.
For me, this is a time to come up for air. I have not been as visible at Peaceful Playful Present. I have been focusing on my family and myself. This is how I have managed my own stress, how I have been self-regulating. I have been looking at all the stressors for me at any one time, and removing it reducing those that I can.
I prioritise my family and my health. I work on getting through each day, one at a time. I let go of some of the ‘shoulds’ - I should have the washing done, I should have all the homeschooling done, I should make a healthy lunch rather than getting a ‘lunch order’ through drive through.
It hasn’t been easy at all. There have been huge ups and downs. One day I’ll be thinking ‘I‘ve got this’ and the next I will be full of overwhelm, short fuses and tears. One foot in front of the other.
Now that things seem to be easing, I can come up for air. I can pause and take stock. Try and work out a path out of this overwhelm and generally stressed stated. I’m not sure what that looks like just yet. But I do know where I’ll start.
I may need to change directions. Stop. Start again. I'll start with these:
Being kind to myself. This is an ongoing practice.
Routines. Routines provide predictability and send messages of safety to the brain
Breath. You just gotta breathe!
Daily dose of sunshine. Our daily walks have been regulating for the whole family. I love finding one activity that works for everyone (can be hard to find!)
Space. Finding moments of down time. Eight weeks with two busy boys in my full time care has its challenges for a Mumma who needs time in her own to wind down.
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