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By: Nicki Reid, Bilingual BA
Hey Mama,
How are YOU, really?
What an experience this past bit has been. Is it just me or is time moving faster and faster?! It feels like it was just yesterday that we were preparing for our first back-to-school season in this global pandemic. Here we are, a year later, with our second September still in a pandemic.
I want to check in with you to see how you have been holding up because there is still so much happening. During these times, it is important to stay grounded and yet, I know first hand how easy it can be to get caught up with everything that is going on. It can feel overwhelming to say the least.
For a good portion of this pandemic, we were required to stay at home and leave only for essential trips. For some of us, this was heaven - where are all of my fellow introverted homebodies?! For others, it was something short of a horror movie.
Over the summer, our province has opened up the most it has since COVID-19 arrived. Clubs, restaurants, theme parks; such as Canada’s Wonderland, Wet n’ Wild, and even our borders opened up (to the U.S.). Some people eagerly jumped at the opportunity to participate in these activities to feel a sense of normalcy again; understandably so. While others may have been feeling apprehensive, which is also valid.
For the first time in over a year, some may even be returning back to the office; students (as of now) are slated to return to schools for in-person learning.
I wanted to let you know, if you are feeling uncertain or even anxious about the current state of things, that it’s OKAY and completely normal. After all, there is so much that is still up in the air. No, there is nothing wrong with you; so release any shame, guilt, and / or judgement you may be feeling. Do me a favour and cut yourself some slack; PLEASE! Take a DEEP breath in and out.
Here are a few tips to help you navigate through this transition.
Take care of yourself, holistically: mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
When was the last time you checked in with yourself?
Ask yourself: “what do I need at this moment”? Do I need time to decompress after being around people? Give yourself permission to create that space in your life and ENJOY it. Do I need a warm bath? Do I need to schedule an appointment with my therapist?
Be gentle with yourself.
Give yourself the time that you need to transition into the world during an unprecedented global pandemic. Meet yourself where you are, there is no rush. Acclimatize at your own pace. Which brings me to my next point:
Establish and maintain boundaries.
Get comfortable with saying, “NO”. You don’t have to say “yes” to every invitation. Remember, “no” is a complete sentence. No further explanation is needed.
You matter, your mental health matters. Don’t be afraid to put yourself first. This pandemic has impacted us all differently and everyone is adjusting the best way that they can.
Continue to stay safe and take deep care, Mama.
Nicki Reid, Bilingual BA
Certified Transformational Coach | Certified Essential Oil Specialist |
Certified ARōMATOUCH Practitioner | 200 YTT , Wholesome Mind Health Coaching