The strain of the virus

If we had to list the number of ways our life has changed over the past month or so, I think we would be surprised. Although we are all aware of the huge upheaval, our survival instinct is trying to convince us that things aren't that different; that it's like a weekend, or a prolonged holiday. 

There are positives to our minds protecting us; but the downside is the guilt we feel for being scared, anxious and worried. The unprecedented situation we are in has led to people spending more time indoors, significantly less on a to-do list, and as a result an increase in pressure to actually do something. These 'somethings' range from baking an incessant amount of banana bread, home workouts at least once a day, and cleaning out that cupboard that's been full for ages.

If any of these activities support your mental health by providing a distraction, by all means keep filling your days. But for some people, all it does is give them a sense of inferiority if all they have managed to do that day is have a shower. Personally, I am someone who does need to keep busy, enjoy working out and have created my own schedule for filling my time during lockdown. But the important thing to note is that I'm like this in normal life too. My partner and I are forever busy: sitting down to watch a single episode of anything feels like a treat. For me then, the anxiety has come from not having enough to fill time because I want to, and getting frustrated with only leaving the house for half an hour a day.

I know other people however who have spent more time on social media (Seriously, check your screen time; it's insane) but are beginning to suffer as a result. The constant barrage of ideas and options available are in theory great, but can be a massive intimidation to some.

The thing is, there's no 'right' way to deal with a situation like this. It's completely and totally acceptable (and expected) to not be able to sleep. To worry if you or someone you know develops a cough. To be unable to drag yourself away from the news even though you know it's unhelpful.

Anxiety can be debilitating and often is - particularly when the anxiety stems from the unknown. This is the ultimate unknown. When will it end? Will I get sick? Will someone I know get sick? And for some people: will I be able to afford rent? Am I working from home productively? But we can overcome it by almost embracing it.

Accept the thoughts that come. Acknowledge that you're anxious, you're worried, you're catastrophising and being totally irrational. But of course you are! We are all scared and wondering what will happen next. The key is to let those same feelings go. When the anxious thought comes to you, don't try and fix it. None of us can fix what is happening; but in this moment, right here and now, what are you doing?

I'm sat in the garden, in the sunshine with a bag of sweets. In this exact moment, I am happy. I am fine.