Think back over the last week. What has it been like for you? Did you go for a walk? Did you have a video chat with a friend or maybe do a meditation or yoga session? When was the last time you did something to "take care" of you?
When the social isolation restrictions set in, I knew I was in for a hard and bumpy road. You see, I never sit still. I am constantly busy and I am also a HARD CORE, self-diagnosed EXTROVERT. I feed off the energy and enthusiasm and, even problems, of others. Whether I am there to lend a shoulder, help someone work through an issue or I am just enjoying the commiseration and laughter of chatting with a friend, I NEED PEOPLE.
When we starting restricting ourselves and our child did not go back to school, my overachiever brain kicked in. What do I need to do to make sure my child is still learning? What Pinterest projects can I enlist to keep him busy and stimulated? How do you do this homeschool thing? It has been scary and overwhelming. I don't mind saying, I was not cut out for this.
Then, week four set in. And, as we continue to adjust to this new normal, I found myself more anxious and stressed. Am I doing everything I should? How do I keep my child entertained 15 hours a day and still keep up with my own work? Is he getting enough exercise? Is he happy? I was consumed with making sure he was ok.
But, guess who I was not thinking about? ME. My patience was waning, insomnia was setting in, my fuse was short. Then it hit me. When was the last time I worked out? Maybe I need some fresh air and a walk. Perhaps I need to reach out to a friend and just commiserate about this journey we are all experiencing. Maybe I need to take a bit of an escape through a book or a bath to take my mind away from all the varying opinions on social media. It was all true.
As I set my goals and milestones for this new week, you better believe that time to "take care of me" is going to be on that list. I encourage you to do the same. Your child will be better for it.