by Lynn Klaase
Seven full months into a year none of us could have imagined possible – many of us are still hopeful that we will wake up from this nightmare. For the majority of us, the year mostly holds remnants of painful growth as we take on new and unfamiliar roles in our families, our communities and the greater society in an attempt to ensure everyone’s survival. These foreign spaces have negatively impacted our mental, physical and emotional well being.
Moving abroad to start new careers or getting married to the love of our life or finally being emancipated from Black Tax, to mention only a few, are all plans we had to put on hold… for some even indefinitely. All of us had to find ways to bravely face the current reality then grow to accept the current reality and finally strive to survive the current reality.
My friends know me for single-mindedly working towards my goals. Similar to everyone, I had to cut my losses and make do with the cards dealt to me. The only way I survived facing this reality was by designing a #2020firstaidkit for myself. This was really to ensure I attend to my mental, physical and emotional wellness. I share my #2020firstaidkit in the hope that it will provide support through the pandemic we all face:
1. Create structure and routine for yourself
The age-old adage of how creating a routine helps with stress and anxiety – still rings true today. By having a daily plan or goals to achieve you gain some control as it allows you to have clarity and be productive. Sticking to your routine will take some practice but remember, be kind to yourself and allow for adjustment as you face every day anew.
2. Run the frustration out… and then, run some more!
With the initial lockdown restrictions, we had to make do with the space we had for any form of exercise. Even if this this meant running around in circles in our tiny driveway to not lose all sanity for being stuck in doors. Running is my form of meditation – time spent reflecting on my goals and engaging in some hectic personal pep talking. Running has always helped to calm me down and centre my thoughts. Whatever ‘running’ is for you – just do it and then just do it some more for good measure.
3. Journal, breath and ‘Let it Go’
If you haven’t done it yet, I want to challenge you to pick up a journal and just start writing. I promise the words will flow. Lockdown has left many of us with only our immediate family or housemates to talk to while others even live on their own. Throughout the pandemic, writing has given me a platform to voice my anger, frustration, hurt and allowed me to verbalise the things I had to mourn this year. Releasing those feelings have helped me really gain control in my most anxious moments.
4. Meditation
Meditation can be as easy as silently focusing the mind for 5 minutes by being still and fully present. The more I practised, the easier it was to focus my attention and achieve mental clarity that led to a feeling of complete emotional calm. If you need some guidance, check out an app called Insight Timer.
5. Fuel your body with nutritious meals
Now more than ever, supporting our immune system through nutritious meals is crucial. The two things I always have in my fridge is ginger and garlic, which I either add to my tea or home-cooked meals. Both these ingredients are simultaneously affordable and have excellent nutritional properties. Ensure your body is strong enough to keep you going during this crisis as you continue to juggle the uncertainties of the pandemic.
