Entering yet another new stage of weirdness

How's your mental health holding up in yet another stage of weirdness?

Everyone keeps saying "things are slowly returning to normal" but they're not though are they?  Things just keep getting more weird and I feel that we're becoming divided into two camps now.  Whereas in one camp we have those people who are thinking "f*** it, I'm not going to be told what to do anymore, I don't give a flying hoot about anyone else, I'll do what I damn well please" and then in the other camp we have the more cautious approach and trying to do the right thing in protecting others and themselves.

In a strange kind of way, it was actually easy to cope with things when we were in full lockdown, because everyone was on a level playing field, in exactly the same position.

I really wanted to do some 'normal' shopping the other day, to actually see and touch things, instead of viewing a picture online and then being disappointed when yet another cardboard box arrived and it wasn't quite what I wanted.  So, me and Mr Bob decided to have a trip to Meadowhall.  It was weird, discombobulating, a one-way system, trying to converse with the lady on the make-up counter in boots whilst wearing a mask, smiling at people but no-one could tell and although it was lovely to go into a number of different shops, it wasn't exactly a pleasurable  and relaxing experience.  

We're also having to contend with the whole work situation too.  I have friends who feel like they're being pressured into going back to work but don't want to and I also have friends who are desperate to go back into work but are not able to.  For those people who have returned to work, it's not the same, the whole ambience is weird.  You can't wander over to your colleagues desk for a quick chat, whether work or social.  We also have the government to contend with, who seem to be guilt tripping people into going back to work to save the economy.  Of course we need to save the economy but at what cost to our health?

The other thing I'm struggling with is that I don't actually want things to go back to normal as they were and what I mean by that is the way we used to live our all consuming lives.  We need the flexibility of our work / life balance, we shouldn't be cramming people into venues that are way too small or onto packed trains where you have to stand up all the way from London to Sheffield with your head under someone's armpit, we absolutely cannot continue with our fast fashion and mass food consumption at the cost of lives - both animals and humans.  The 'new normal' needs to be one of sustainability and balanced in terms of our physical and mental wellbeing.

It's also highlighted to me more than ever that we have to respect each other's individual choices.  What works for one person is not necessarily going to work for the next. Don't berate someone because they want to go back into work and likewise don't look down on someone because they want to stay working from home.  Some people want to go on holiday whilst others are happy in their own back garden.  It doesn't matter because that's their personal choice and you have yours.  Perhaps we can learn to respect others views more on the back of this situation, let's hope so.  In the meantime, here's a few tips that might help.

How to cope with uncertainty and trying to return to 'normal'

• Focus on the things in your control.  Write down an action plan of steps you can take.
• Take things slowly.  Under no circumstances should you let yourself be pressurised into doing something you don't feel comfortable with doing.  Do things at your own pace and in your own time.
• Challenge yourself to do one small new thing each day.  Doesn't matter how small, it's still a win.
• Talk to people you trust.  If things in your personal life are worrying you then talk to friends and family members you can trust.  If you're worried about work then speak to your line manager or a HR colleague.
• Focus on the present.  Try not to think too far ahead in the future because at this point, none of us know what to expect and that can make us anxious.  Take each day at it comes and focus on the positives.
• Show gratitude.  Appreciate the good things at this moment in time.  What have you changed for the better?  Who are the people that have been there for you?  Be grateful for the small pleasures in life.

I feel like this week's blog has been a little intense for a Bank Holiday weekend!  However, it's hopefully made you think about the things that are happening in your life right now and to focus on the positives and make changes to the areas that you want to improve upon.

Have a fun-filled and safe Bank Holiday and speak to you soon.

#2020