I think now more than ever, in this strange world we find ourselves in, it’s important to be kind and be that much more considerate of others. We have no idea what people are going through, we don’t know their story. What if they are on the brink of breaking down, and we are rude to them? What if our actions, which we may or may not think was ‘that bad’ actually causes somebody to break? We never know what’s going on behind closed doors, so I believe we should be kind. Always.
Before Covid-19 times, I liked to hold a door open for someone, or smile when you walked down the street. It’d something so little, but yet can make a massive difference. If that person smiles back, maybe you’ve just made their day and you’ve helped them to realise the good in people and the good in this world. Sometimes, when I feel really rubbish, and people are kind to me, it can actually make me feel so much better. It puts things into perspective, to look at the bigger picture. I think it’s still nice to be kind now. Why not smile at someone when not wearing a mask, or say hi to someone who may be coming your way. Why not thank that coffee barista when you pick up your drink? It can honestly make someone’s day for something so small and mundane.
These are very challenging times, and something that seems so uncertain. We are so restricted on what we can do, and It can be hard to be optimistic all the time when we are living through a pandemic. I think it’s good to mention how important it is to be kind to ourselves too. If things are getting too overwhelming and it can seem like we need to just stop and take a break, then find the time to do so. Go for a walk, go and watch TV for a little while or go and read that book. We have got to understand how stressful life can be, especially right now, so it’s so essential to be aware of that, and to look after ourselves too. Arrange a pamper night, chat with a friend online or go and have an early night. It’s okay not to be okay. We have those bad days. Please, be kind. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself.
Hey everyone! Wow, it’s been too long since I last wrote a blog post! Life has just been manic! I really feel I need to write something as these current times are so uncertain and overwhelming at times, that it’s important to address that. We need to get a balance of checking in with those friends and family, but at the same time looking after yourself and giving time for some self-care.
Some days can be really hard. We can get overwhelmed with social media, the news, people talking about Covid-19, things going on in our lives. It’s all a lot. I think I can find it really hard dealing with the constant presence of the pandemic, on top of life and all it brings to my door. I think when it all gets too much sometimes, we just want to get back into bed and hide. I certainly do. We want to go back to familiarity like our favourite TV show or a feel good book of ours. We want to feel relaxed, and as if we can escape from life sometimes. Guys, I wanted to say that it absolutely fine! We need that time to distract ourselves, and find happiness within something we find enjoyable. When things get too much at times, I like to read or watch a comfortable series, which I have watched before and makes me smile and laugh. Don’t feel guilty about this, go to those places and things when you feel you need to. It’s completely normal and certainly needed at times.
I don’t know about you, but lately I’ve found myself coming off social media as I find it is too much pressure. I feel it asks too much of me sometimes and there is this expectation to be active, talk to people on messenger and group chats, post on your story or on your page. What if we feel we can’t do this? What if we want a break? I’d say, take that time out then. I’m using social media according to how I feel. If I wake up and find it too much, I won’t go on it. If I feel I want to see what other people are up to and get updates from them, then do that. Sometimes I like seeing photos of other’s or seeing some quotes or cute pictures. It can be really healthy at times, but then really unhealthy at times. My view is, if social media is feeling toxic and negative, filled with, in my opinion, Covid-19 and politics, get off it. It’s not a mandatory thing, you’re not obliged to be on it all the time.
Do you ever have it when you have good days in the pandemic? You feel you can check in on people and have a conversation, and you can smile and laugh and be all happy, but then some days you feel weird and down, and you find everything really hard? I think it’s important to normalise this, and let people know that up and down days are normal, even more so in Covid times. Just go at your own pace, and even communicate that with others. All you need to say is ‘I’m feeling strange and weird today, maybe even overwhelmed with the current situation, can you just be aware of it, in case I appear low or moody?’
I try to check in with others at the moment, because I know now more than ever, just how important it is. There may be friends that appear to be fine, and there may be others who you haven’t heard from or appear low and quiet. I’d say, check in with all of them. There are going to be a lot of people who may put on a mask and pretend they’re okay, but really they are not. Let’s try and encourage people to get into a habit of this. It could be a matter of texting someone saying ‘Hey, was just checking in, how are you? Lots of love.’ Something like this may really make a difference and help someone more than you’ll ever know. At the same time, if you are having a bad day and feel you can’t be there for others, then wait until you feel a bit better and can be in a position to help and listen. Like I said, you have to get the balance of checking in, but taking care of yourself.
From my own experiences, I’d say take support that’s all around you when you need it. Contact your parents, your friends, your partner or support services in society itself. We are living in a global pandemic and will need help and support from others. Don’t feel you have to do it all by yourself- lean on those who can help you. It’s not ‘weak’ or ‘silly’ to ask for others to assist, it’s completely normal, and can really help you.
Do you get a range of emotions all the time from this current situation? I was wondering if others feel the same? I tend to feel a lot, and it tends to be like a rollercoaster! I can feel sad, angry, stressed, overwhelmed, confused, grumpy, confused, empty, but most of it, sometimes I don’t even know how I feel. I can’t even explain it at times. I think the overall uncertainty of everything can cause a wave of different feelings.
Day to day, I try to remind myself of all the great things I have going on. Loved ones, a roof over my head, a job, food, a car, clothes etc etc. I am so lucky for what I have and I am grateful for this. It’s all about perspective and looking at things in the bigger picture, I find. It breaks my heart that people are being lost from Covid-19 and as a result of this experience, so I try to take some time each day to reflect and remind myself of this. We are healthy.
A great quote about how this is only temporary. Better times will come, and it won’t be like this forever. A light at the end of the tunnel will come, and it will be worth it. We need to keep going and wait for the other side. It’ll come, and besides, we’ve come so far already. It’ll all be okay.
I hope to write a bit more now I’m in a better mindset. I think I want to continue talking about my own experiences and feelings, to try and hopefully give an insight to others, and maybe even make a difference.
We can do it guys, keep going. You’re doing great!
Hey guys! I hope you’re all doing well in these circumstances…these are such weird times and I think days can be like a rollercoaster! Some days are good, some not do good. But it is completely understandable. I hope you’re all carrying on well, and feeling comfortable with everything going on.
Walks are really helping me right now. Getting some fresh air and going out improves my mood a lot. In my lunch breaks or on evenings, I do like going to the beach or the park for a nice walk. Sometimes it’s nice to get out of my bubble in the house and go and clear my head. I honestly recommend it if you are feeling the same way.
How are we all feeling now that lockdown has eased a lot more? Pubs and retail being open and everything starting to continue as ‘normal.’ I think that some are finding it a bit easier to go out and return to normality, where as there are others who are feeling anxious and are struggling to get out of their bubble. I feel like I’m the latter to be honest. I’m really finding it hard to be around lots of people, and so conscious of those around me. I wonder if lots of people are also feeling this way. I just feel like when I’m at a supermarket or out on a walk, I am constantly looking around for people around me. I have been wearing a mask in places like the shops for a while now, and I think it does make me feel a lot better. I for one am really relieved that masks are compulsory soon. I just hope people wear them.
I think it’s going to take a lot of time to get back to normal. It’s funny really, when I am watching films or TV now, I see everyone hugging and breathing over each other and I compare it so much to this situation we’re in now. I always respond being really shocked that people aren’t ‘2 metres apart.’ I just think because this is such a massive thing that has happened to the world, it’s hard to see something as simple as people altogether as ‘normal’ again.
I have started meeting friends and extended family, but I am still so cautious about it. I am very aware of the gap, and to not directly breath on each other. I don’t know if it’s easier for those who are living in a healthy household, but as I have lived with an individual at risk, I am very aware and alert about it. I think being outside with friends is fine, and I feel comfortable about it, however when it is busy, or people come close to you, it does get a bit stressful.
I went to an outdoor café today, and it was the first time I had been out in a social setting to eat and I did feel very safe. I was at a safe distance from everyone else, and all the staff were wearing PPE. I think that as long as I am careful, it’s fine. It’s all about easing myself into it and taking things slow.
Personally, I don’t feel comfortable meeting in big groups, or not socially distancing. I know that the virus is still out there, and is still very much causing deaths. I know to wear my mask, and I know that this is going to take time, but in my opinion, it is all about being careful and alert. In an ideal world, I would love nothing more than to go to a house party or meet up with a lot of my friends, but I would just not feel comfortable doing it, and we aren’t allowed. In my head, I see it as getting through this period of time now, until things can go back to normal properly, then I very much look forward to seeing my friends and family, for hugs and affection. I can’t wait.
I really hope you are all staying safe, and feeling well. I hope all your family and friends are safe and well. I also hope you’re happy. There are going to be bad days, where you feel low and blue, but there will also be the other days when you laugh and smile, and positive things happen throughout your day. Hang onto the positives. This will end. It’s only temporary. We can do this. Just persevere.
Hey guys! How are we all doing? I hope time in isolation isn’t treating you too bad, and that you are managing alright. It’s such uncertain times at the moment, so it is understandable to feel a bit up and down. Sending lots of love to all of you.
You might have seen it, but there’s an advert on at the moment from Nationwide, and it’s of a woman doing a video to her future self. I honestly just love it. One of the things she says is about asking how people are doing. She says that when we ask people, we really mean it at the moment. When we say “are you alright?” What we are really doing is asking a question that people really want the answer to, as opposed to it being another way to say “hello” or as a passing comment. They now care and I think that is so true right now. It’s so important that we look after our mental health and look out for others. I hope that people continue to ask after this is all over, and really care for the answer.
Now because it’s about Mental Health and the awareness of it at the moment, I thought I would write about it in my own perspective and try and help others with tips and advice. Something I always try to live by is: it’s okay not to be okay.
So if I had to reflect upon my mental health, I would say that I’ve come a long way over time. When I was a teenager, there was a period when I really struggled and had to have counselling. It’s nothing to be ashamed about because if you need help, you are more than entitled to go and seek it. It really helped me speaking to someone professional, and I would honestly say that with that help, and the support of my friends and family, I got through it and saw the light at the end of the tunnel. I came out a much more positive person, always ready to help others. You know I think I was always so keen to be the “agony aunt” because I knew how it felt to be down, low and really lonely, so I did not want anyone else to feel that way.
When I got older, and I came to university, I would say that overall, my mental health had improved. I had a boyfriend, friends, my family and my degree. It was good! Of course I had bad days, but overall I was good. I think we should be looking at the positives in this. When somebody’s mental health is really good, we should recognise this and be really proud of it.
Now let’s move onto lockdown. I don’t know about you guys, but my mentality has taken a huge toll. I’ve become extremely anxious all the time, overwhelmed and stressed. I just get myself into a massive fluster and I just can’t control it. Before I handed in my dissertation, I pressed the wrong button on my word document and I thought I had lost everything. I suddenly got really stressed and I ended up having a massive meltdown. I’d had a panic attack and I felt so drained and exhausted afterwards. It was so horrible. I felt so sad and low. Nothing has caused me so much stress and anxiety as my university work.
If someone asked me how I am now I’ve handed it in, I would say that I am feeling a little better, but still aware that I have other modules to submit. It’s weird, there’s days where I am happy and I can joke around, and I’m fine, but then there’s other days when I cry a lot and I’m on edge. There’s no in between really. I’m sure others are feeling the same.
Today’s been a tough day. I had internet issues this morning which meant that something went wrong, which was important. Then I lost something, which set me off again then I found myself in bed watching tv because I felt so tired and drained. Now it’s the evening I feel a little better, just tired all the time. I know that I’m going to get days like this, so that’s why I try and cheer myself up a bit by surrounding myself with loved ones or talking to friends online. Things that can help me feel a little better is what I try to do. Remember, every day is a new day. I hope tomorrow is a better day.
If I had to give some tips and advice about mental health, I’d probably say:
Be aware that not every day is going to be an easy one. Some will be really challenging, and may even bring you down, so just try and be kind to yourself and know that it’s okay not to be okay. This whole situation is especially hard at the moment, so remind yourself of that.
If you can, talk to people. I’ve found that communication is key and has really helped me. Not bottling it up and letting it out means that I don’t feel like there’s a massive weight on my shoulders. I feel relief for getting everything off of my chest. Try and be honest with someone, and help yourself lift some of the pressure.
Someone very special to me says “Only worry about what you have the power to control.” This basically means that there’s going to be plenty of things that I don’t have control over. This situation is out of my hands and is something I just need to adjust to. I need to manage it because I can’t change it. Worry about the things I have power over, because at least these things can be changed. You will have power over it.
In terms of the lockdown, it really is a time where people will feel frustrated and irritated, but try and remember that people are handling it differently. Some people may be struggling, others may be managing well. Try and remind yourself that everyone is going through the same thing. We’re all in the same boat, so let’s pull on each other instead of pushing each other away.
And lastly, don’t forget to smile. When I wake up in the morning, I look I’m the mirror, I take 2 deep breaths and I smile. It honestly really helps to start off my day in a good way, because it’s a positive way to begin. Even if you don’t feel like smiling, do it anyway. Taking deep breaths also really help calm you down and make you feel relaxed. I hope it really helps and works for you too.
Remember guys, this is only temporary. This isn’t going to last forever. We will all get through this. We can see our family and friends again and we can get back to a sense of normality. Hang in there guys, we’ve done so well already and come so far!
Hello everyone! What a great quote. This is one I want to live by today, for sure. I think as this situation goes on, some people are getting a little restless and bored. This is completely understandable! It’s something that’s completely alien to us, and it is such weird times right now. Give yourself that pep talk when needed to get you up again. It is so easy to just accept defeat. Let’s carry on and not give up.
It was my boyfriends birthday yesterday, and as some people may know, it’s in your head that you’ve got to pull out all the stops in order to make it the best day possible. I was very conscious that we are at home and can’t go anywhere, so I decorated the house, made a cake, got him some presents and a card and tried to give my full attention. Because there’s always been the option to go out and go to places for a birthday, I didn’t really know how to plan the day. For those of you who have this coming up and you’re worrying about it, just be you. Be around for them, do things that they want to do, and don’t worry because they will understand. This is unusual times. They will appreciate the thought and love it all regardless. “It’s the thought that counts” after all!
The highlight of my day would be singing happy birthday to George, watching him blow the candles out and then eat cake and watch a film. It was so nice to end the day that way. It makes you appreciate everything, and is one of those moments when you just stop and smile. It’s a great feeling. Thank you to everyone who made his birthday great, it made me happy to see him happy on his 21st.
Some tips I will say to you guys today would probably be:
• If it’s not happening, it’s just not going to happen! This can apply to so many things and I think we need to try and take some pressure off ourselves. It can be hard trying to be productive all the time. Give yourself that break. Come back to it.
• As someone told me lately, don’t look at what you can’t do, look at what you can do. We can’t control this situation at the moment, so look at what you can do and how you can help yourself.
• Take advantage of the weather! Go on your daily walk and really enjoy it, or go out into the garden if you have one. Enjoy the sunshine! This is something that can be a positive thing in isolation!
• If you feel you can, keep in touch with your loved ones. I am trying to ring both of my Nans to check in and catch up with. I find this to be really important so I think connect with those over the phone or FaceTime and be thankful for technology, so that we can actually do this.
I hope this has helped a little, but do take care and stay safe. We can do this! Look how far we’ve come!
Sometimes we will find ourselves on the ground feeling deflated and down. We might even feel defeated at times, but when we feel that way, then is the time to dust yourself off and get back up. It’s fine if you are down, but make sure that when you’re ready, you get back up and do not give up.
I know that during this self isolation, I’ve been feeling low and down. I’ve had plenty of wobbles, but when I’ve calmed down and composed myself, I get back up. I pull myself together and know that it’s fine to be low. It’s okay not to be okay. But when I’ve let it all out, I know that I need to cheer myself up. I need to do what makes me happy and pull on the lovely people I have around me. When you have great support, it makes it that much easier to get through it and feel better.
My first highlight of the day was when I was feeling low and not having the best day, my boyfriend held me and looked after me. It’s comforting to have the support and guidance when I’m feeling rough. It makes me put things into perspective and realise that I will be okay. That I can get through it. A lot of people are finding it tough at the moment, so it’s only natural to have a little blip now and again. One thing I will take from this situation is to be thankful for family and friends and that they will have your back.
You don’t always need makeup or perfect hair. A smile will do.
I’m going to be honest, I’ve not had the best couple of days. I’ve really struggled to juggle everything and then also be positive. I’ve not been very consistent with these posts, but I know that when I feel in the right mindset, I really enjoy doing them. I like to feel I am making a difference, even if it’s to just one person.
I thought I’d share some tips to what’s made me feel better, just in case anyone else is feeling the same and needs help:
• Watch your favourite film or TV show. This will help distract you and make you feel a bit more grounded.
• Talk to people. If you just tell the truth and confide in someone about how you are feeling. You might not think it helps, but it really does because then you aren’t bottling it up. Communication for me is key.
• If you go to bed in a mood, remember that tomorrow is a new day. I see it as a brand new opportunity to enjoy life and hopefully be in a better mindset. I try not to drag my mood or troubles through to the next day. If I go to bed, I try to draw a line over it, ready to start afresh.
Hang on in there everyone. It’ll all be okay. We’ll look back on this as a very interesting experience. I think it will teach us things, and help make effective change. I’d like to think it’s making us kinder and more considerate. I want to appreciate more of the great things going on in my life. Be grateful.
“You’re allowed to scream and you’re allowed to cry, but do not give up.”
Be kind to yourself, and accept that these are scary times. Stay safe, and take care.
What an inspiring quote. After reading this, I felt so good about everything. In a situation like this, I feel like it requires you to be strong. Tough.
Normally, I’m a bit of a social butterfly. I seem to always be out meeting people and doing things with everyone, but I haven’t been able to do any of that, which I’ve fought really hard. At the start, I kind of went into a bit of a low, because I missed the people I saw regularly, but now I try and make sure that I contact people through FaceTime or messages or calls. It makes such a difference because then I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything. I’m still in sync with people, and it cheers me up talking to my friends and family. Reminds me how much I love them all.
The highlight of my day yesterday was phoning a friend I’ve known for around 9 years, and honestly it was lovely. We had a massive catch up and reminisced about the past. We were laughing and joking and were talking for nearly 2 hours. It makes you very grateful, and appreciative of those you speak to, and it has really helped being in lockdown. If you’re struggling, and want to feel social, try and video call someone. Maybe don’t even talk about what’s going on at the moment. Make each other laugh or bring up something uplifting. Remember that support is all around you. Everyone feels the same. Why don’t we lean on each other, and give that guidance to those who need it. You’re not alone.
Another highlight of my day was cuddling with my lovely boyfriend. I’m so grateful that I’m in lockdown with him, and we are supporting each other through this. Going to bed and having a hug with him really helps end my day on a good note. Having someone with me at the moment is amazing, and just having that one person to have affection with in these difficult times is really great. I feel really bad for those who are missing their loved ones during these times, but try and look ahead towards the end of this where you can see them. Run at them and give them a big hug. Just try and keep talking as much as you can and look for that light at the end of the tunnel. It’ll be okay.
Looking at today, the highlight would be having a FaceTime with another one of my wonderful friends. It cheered me up so much and really helped catching up with someone else. I didn’t get to say goodbye to many of my friends, which I found really hard so to speak to them online helped a little bit. Although I am frustrated about third year ending so abruptly, I am so glad for still having the opportunity to speak to them online.
When I was sitting at the table tonight, eating dinner, I looked around. I had my loved ones around me and knew I had my family and friends online too, and it was really nice to take a moment to be grateful. To be thankful. Everyone is healthy and safe and it was lovely to just reflect on that. It helps so much to see the bigger picture. Sometimes I wonder if things are so bad, but then I remind myself that there is so much to be thankful for. All my parents, my partner, my family, my friends. I love them all so much.
My tips for today would be:
Once a day, take a moment to stop and reflect upon what you have. Look at how your day is going, your friends and family and what things are going well. If you look at the present and realise all the positives, it’ll make things feel so much better. It’ll put you in a good stance.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, try and find a distraction. When things go Pete tong for me or it’s all a bit too much, do something else. Earlier, I went onto Disney+ and watched Thats so Raven. The childhood nostalgia really helped make me feel better.
Look in the mirror and smile. Smile or laugh. I read somewhere that it actually makes you feel better. It uplifts you and helps. When I look in the mirror, even if I am feeling rubbish, I make myself smile or I find something that makes me laugh and it’s so worth it. Try it.
“Tough times don’t last. Tough people do.”
Stay safe lovely people, and keep smiling. We are all doing so well.
‘Nothing matters half so much as you think it does.’
After speaking to a lovely person last night, she kindly gave me this quote as inspiration. I think it’s such a great one to go by because it’s all about putting things into perspective, and seeing the bigger picture. In times like this, I really think it’s important to look at everything and think positively.
There were two highlights of my day today. As soon as I woke up, I went into the garden. We have a gazebo and seating underneath so it was lovely to be able to sit underneath and listen to the rain. I find it very comforting and therapeutic. I’ve always loved listening to it. When I was younger, I used to sit on the doorstep or porch and watch it as I wrote short stories and poems. That was what really got me into writing. Now I associate it with peace and tranquillity. I was out there for most of the day today, on my phone or doing work. I looked at the plants whilst I was out there and saw the rain dropping onto the leaves. I could see them being watered, looking all healthy and it really stood out to me today. I decided to take a photo of it so that I could show you something that made me smile today.
There’s beauty in everything, if you look hard enough.
The other thing that really made me smile today was once again, one of my dogs. When it’s pouring it down outside, dripping down the window glass and you’re inside feeling all warm and cosy, the cherry on top of the cake is a cuddle from my puppy dog, Flynn. As soon as I sat down on the sofa, he came and sat with me and then he put my head on my lap. He then fell asleep. It was lovely having some time with him and seeing him get all close to me. When I looked at him, I realised how innocent dogs are and give you such unconditional love. It really did amaze me.
A great companion and friend.
Here’s some tips that I got from today and wanted to share:
Remember that we have never experienced anything like this before. This pandemic is really scary, and makes things really uncertain. If you feel overwhelmed or stressed, give yourself that reminder.
Look around at the people you’ve got around you. All the love, support and company. Don’t look at this at ‘stuck at home.’ Look at it as ‘staying safe at home.’ I’ve seen a lot of stuff out there about why we are all staying at home. It’s because we don’t want to lose anyone along the way. We want to come out of this with no missing puzzle pieces. We want all our loved ones to be protected and united.
If you are trying to do work or some sort of project, and you find yourself not being able to do it, or concentrate, take that breather and come back to it. I am finding it so hard to do my uni work, but when I can’t do it, I try and accept it. I go and do something else then when I come back, I try again. Don’t be so hard on yourself and take that bit of motivation when you feel it.
Look at cute videos. I am living for animal or baby videos right now. When I feel sad or anxious, I go onto Facebook and look at things like this to cheer me up. It is always very successful! Whatever makes you happy, do it or watch it. I like doing this because it distracts me from what is going on at the moment and lets me escape for a bit. I feel we could all appreciate the escapism from time to time.
As said before, stay safe and look after your lovely selves. It will all be okay.
‘Nothing matters half so much as you think it does.’
‘Not all storms come to disrupt your life. Some come to clear your path.’
In these hard and uncertain times, I think it’s important to write something like this. 1) It helps me and 2) I feel it might be useful for others who may be able to relate. I am one of many who is a final year student and am currently trying to finish my degree. I didn’t think that this would be how my university experience would end. I’m sure nobody did. I wanted to start writing a diary for a week and talk about the one main thing that’s been the highlight of my day. I will also take a photo of it and post it here.
From now on, I will focus on the positivity of my day, rather than the negative, and choose one quote a day to live by.
As many know, I’ve been finding it really hard to focus on my university workload and be on top of my degree. I either don’t manage to do any work in a day, or I do a tiny bit. By a ‘tiny bit’ I literally mean one hundred words or so. It’s not as much as I used to do, but I’m now trying to be in the mindset of ‘slow and steady wins the race’ and doing things in bite sizes. If I can just get a little bit achieved a day, or every other day, then I think I should be content with that. It’s also difficult adjusting with the work space. At university, I could be at the library whereas now I either try my desk in my room or downstairs at the dining room table. It can be very hard when there’s not always that same environment and you get easily distracted.
The main highlight of my day was taking the dogs out for a walk. I am fortunate enough to live by a dual carriageway path which is long enough to have a good bit of exercise. I took them both out this afternoon and the sun was shining and it was quiet so I was living life. I was wearing my James Blunt top and I had my sunglasses on and it was bliss. The dogs were happy, tails wagging and even when runners or cyclists rode past nearby, the majority of them would smile and say ‘good afternoon’ or ‘hello’ and it really did cheer me up. By just getting out for half an hour or so makes such a difference for me. It gets me out the house and I can have a bit of me time.
‘Some things just fill your heart without even trying.’
My advice to all you lovely people, from experience is:
Know that it’s okay not to be okay sometimes. I’m pretty sure that everyone is feeling a bit anxious and scared at the moment from the situation. When you’re not feeling your best, don’t put yourself down about it. Just accept what you’re feeling and let it pass. Do something to make you happy, which will hopefully cheer you up and make you feel better. Give yourself that time to realise that you’re not going to do all you could have done before because your mind is going to be on other things. Don’t be so hard on yourself.
There’s always going to be good things that happen, no matters how big or small. In the evenings, look at your day and reflect upon what went well. If it’s been a bad day, then the positive thing could be the nice weather, or a hug from a loved one.
Keep talking. Communicate to friends and family through Facetime or messenger. It makes me feel good keeping in touch with people.
So for today remember:
‘Not all storms come to disrupt your life. Some come to clear your path.’
This is such a powerful quote. I love it so much. I think that especially in times like now, where many people are starting to feel bored, lonely, frustrated and stressed, there should be the time to find something in your day that has made you smile/laugh and feel good.
I am currently writing this with ‘somewhere over the rainbow’ on, which is really helping with keeping my positivity up. I am joking around with the neighbours as we are all in our gardens. Hugging the dogs as they enjoy the sun. Telling my family that I love them. It’s all about perspective.
When most people look at the situation we’re in, they’d say it was terrible. The uncertainty and the fear of those around them getting unwell. It’s the anger. It’s the sadness. I look at it as an opportunity to spend time with loved ones and to see the beautiful things in life. I doubt there will be a chance again for everyone to be at home. Having dinner altogether, playing out in the garden, having BBQ’s and just having time as a family. When this is all over, and normality continues, we will miss the time we’ve spent with everyone. Every night, I ask myself what the highlight of my day was. I look at things that went well, such as taking the dogs for a long walk, where I got some exercise or when everyone came together in the lounge for a movie night. At the moment, there might be so many things that go wrong, but there will always be at least one thing that went right, however big or small.
I made an NHS poster yesterday for the window. We all went out at 8pm to thank all the essential workers. We do it so passionately and enthusiastically because we are all so appreciative for everyone’s hard work. We are so grateful for all they are doing. It’s so nice that everyone is coming together, forming a nice community. I get so happy when I see people helping others receive food or people volunteering for charities. It’s so amazing that people are being so kind.
Please, please stay inside. The way I see it, you are staying at home to be safe. You are not ‘stuck’ at home, you are there to protect yourself and your family. Try look at it from a different angle. I want to come out of this process with all my loved ones around me. I don’t want to lose anyone, nobody does. In order to achieve this, people need to be careful and need to stay indoors. Do the right thing and when this is all over, you can go out as much as you want. Just do it for now.
We will come out stronger from this. Everyone holding hands and smiling. When I take the dogs out for a walk, and somebody rides past me on a bike or jogs past, it’s great when we are all able to smile and greet each other. I really hope this happens more in the future. People can be kinder to the others we share this world with. It gives me the warmest feeling when I greet others out. It just reminds me that we are all one big community. ‘We are all in this together’ as High School Musical said eh?
For those feeling stressed, or anxious, it is completely understandable. This situation is going to be something that’s taught in GCSE History. It will be something we can say to our grandchildren. We got through the Coronavirus. It will be incredible to say in the future. Just hang on in there, watch some TV or spend time with loved ones. This is only temporary. It isn’t forever. Let’s all remember that.
I know it’s lovely weather, and we all want to be out, but please resist. Go out in the garden, or for your daily walk enjoy the sunshine. Do not go out and go against the rules because it will have a serious impact on others. Please, be selfless and kind.
allwillbealright 