Arise and Shine

Well, “Hello Everyone!” For the past few months I haven’t written a blog post, I wasn’t very active on social media and I pretty much isolated myself. I didn’t know it then but turns out I was just practicing to survive the current situation of sheltering at home and it’s annoying partner social distancing.

Last fall a couple of different circumstances in my life caused me to pull away from most social interactions. I hunkered down at home and focused on our farm and caring for my granddaughter during the week. Since she had just started to walk, I kept pretty busy just chasing a toddler around. On the weekends I had so much to do to care for all our animals, get caught up on the housework and enjoy time with my husband. I found it easy to make excuses for not attending many social gatherings.

As an extroverted introvert I like being with people but I also enjoy uninterrupted time to to recharge, read a book, write, and watch a movie among other things. I get it, alone time can be nice but make it a mandatory isolation from others and boy does that change my perspective quickly. When you add the stress of a global pandemic to the mix, feelings of depression, anxiety and loneliness can flood in overwhelm. I know, It’s difficult to be disconnected from others for any reason. In the past few months there were many days I felt lonely and down right forgotten. Wether we think it or not, we ALWAYS need authentic and healthy relationships in our life. I was just coming to the realization that I needed to open myself and my home to other people and WHAM!… Covid 19 stepped uninvited into all of our lives.

So here are some choices I found helpful for maintaining  mental, physical and spiritual health in isolation.

First thing everyday, talk to God.

Some people call it prayer or meditation. I would say it’s a conversation, one that starts your day by focusing in on where your heart and mind are at. It starts there but never really ends, it is a conversation that keeps going throughout the day. (If you don’t believe in God it’s alright because He believes in you.)

Get Dressed.

Get out of those PJ’S, take a shower, do your hair etc.. Seriously, you know you have the time for it! Oh and…Put on your button up jeans at least twice a week. (Sweat pants, yoga pants or stretchy bottoms of any kind are not your best friend)

Eat Healthy.

Your body needs you to fuel it with healthy nutrition so you can make good decisions and persevere through the onslaught of negative emotions that isolation can bring. Treat yourself occasionally to the things that you enjoy but maybe once a week, not everyday. ( I struggle with this daily so I Know, I really do.)

Feed Your Mind Well.

Don’t stuff your mind with excessive TV, social media, Youtube, Netflix or any other easy entertainment. These outlets can put you on a quick road to feeling depressed, anxious, and discouraged, need I say more? Try reading a good book, paint, draw, be creative. Do the things that bring you feelings of accomplishment and don’t leave you drained. ( It’s our chance to do things we talked about doing if we had the time, now we do!)

Go Outside Everyday.

Take a walk, at least step out on the balcony or front porch. Rain, snow, sun… do it, it’s a good way to reset your mood and gain a renewed perspective. (On my walk today I found the flower pictured above, it had bloomed in spite of its thorny prison. It inspires me to do likewise……)

Reach Out to Others.

I’ve incorporated reaching out to those I love in my daily life. Making phone calls, writing letters and finding better ways to communicate, “I’m here”, “I care about you”, “I need You”. ( Choose to do and say what you want and need from others)

In all seriousness, being isolated is no joke, but together, we can to get past our current situation. When that day comes we can “Arise and Shine” stronger, wiser, and more connected than before.