There are lots of rants on social media right now; don’t do this, do more of that, give to this cause, or that… There’s so much pressure to be doing something ‘useful’ during the lockdown. As a self-employed person forced into lockdown the prevailing message is that if you’re not pivoting your business or preparing to launch a new project you aren’t being productive. If you’re furloughed and you’re not learning a new language or making bread out of something weird you found at the back of your kitchen cupboard, you’re missing an opportunity. Show the wartime spirit and seize the moment people! Get creating, cleaning, re-designing your garden and continuing your business or job online while home-educating your children or caring for a loved one.
Aagh! Nooo….
Now is not the time to do double the amount of stuff you normally do. Everyone has different ways of coping with change and challenges. Some people like to get busy and distract themselves from the mostly miserable news, whilst others get through the isolation by chatting with friends or watching old comedy shows on TV.
The critical internal dialogue that many people have is never helpful and is probably more destructive than ever at the moment. Don’t let the ‘shoulds’ get in the way of getting through this
pandemic with a healthy level of self-esteem and wellbeing. Do whatever you need to do to stay sane at this strange time. Change your ‘shoulds’ to ‘coulds’ so that you recognise that everything is a choice. When something feels like a choice, rather than a duty, it feels a whole lot more empowering.
To be honest, whatever you’re doing it’s probably enough, but if you want to do more, ask yourself who you’re doing it for. Are you feeling pressured to do something to keep up with others or to prove something, or are you doing it because it will bring you pleasure or satisfaction? Of course there’ll be things we need to do, shop for food, eat, bathe, a basic level of exercise etc. and if you have work you will probably want to continue it, which is fine, but beyond that it’s up to you.
For most people a balance of the essentials and the ‘I choose to’ things will result in getting through this time emotionally intact, but if you are struggling with a dose of ‘the shoulds’ or need to banish your negative head chatter, get in touch. I specialise in working with clients with anxious thought patterns, low self-esteem and motivation concerns and am available for hypnotherapy, CBT and therapeutic coaching sessions using video conferencing software. These sessions are confidential and secure and if you want to have a no-obligation phone or video chat before booking a session, that’s fine too. Stay safe and be kind to yourself.
