29 Jan How are you doing?

Nine months ago, amid the first lockdown, I asked, how are you? Who would have thought that several months later we would be in the middle of another lockdown? Nine months later, I’m using this blog to ask, how are you doing? Have you taken the time to ask and answer that question?  Living in lockdown has affected all of us to one extent or the other.  I’ll be the first to say that although there have been many advantages; the lockdown periods has also had its challenges.   

The lines have become blurred

Our homes have become multifunctional working, educational and social places. The demarcations between each aspect of our lives are not as distinct as they used to be. It’s challenging to maintain a workalike balance, let alone work discipline. To top it off, many of us (including myself) are working longer hours than we usual; to be frank, it’s affecting our wellbeing, and our ability to shut off at the end of the working day. Front line workers have their unique set of challenges too. One of our church members, a medical consultant, spoke on a video about the challenges of caring for patients during the current lockdown and redeploying to another work area. At the same time, he emphasised his faith, and the camaraderie amongst colleagues saying no job is beneath anybody.

Most of us are dealing with something

Whether we are working from home or a front line worker, the likelihood is that most of us are dealing with something, someone or some situation at some point.  Like some of you, my family has had bereavements and, have not been able to attend funerals or, visit a relative who is currently in hospital.  Some of us are finding lockdown challenging full stop. Personally, the first few weeks of January were intensely busy, so I took a week off last week. During this period, I checked in with myself 🙂 and I decided to take some more time off in the coming weeks.

You are your priority

Most of us are you are taking care of someone and or something.  As important as our responsibilities are prioritising our wellbeing should be crucial.  After all, we can’t do anything effectively, if we don’t look after ourselves  properly.  To this end, I thought I would shares some pragmatic strategies that you can easily incorporate into your day to day activities:

• Take some annual leave.

• Go for regular walks.

• Listen to soothing music.

• Practice quiet time.

• Pray, read the Bible.

• Text or call someone to encourage them.

• Buy yourself a gift.

• Access free counselling sessions through your employer’s employee assistance scheme.

• Make an appointment with your GP.

• Watch a comedy or something inspirational and uplifting.

• Schedule a time to deal with difficult or irritating issues rather than thinking about them all day long – challenging, I know, but it is doable.

• Join an online group.

• Ask for pastoral support.

• Find three things to be thankful for every day.

I hope you are doing well. If not, I pray that you will take steps to put yourself on the road to wellness for no other reason that you are worth investing your time in yourself, and things will get better.