Re-charge, Re-ignite, Re-start, Re-claim

Our backs are against the wall. We can’t go shopping as freely as we’d like. We’re not able to socialize with friends as often as we’d like. No happy hour after a long week of work. No play dates for our children. No gym sessions with our gym buddies. We are stuck. Those who are use to the hustle and bustle of life are getting use to a slower pace with less commute, and more time spent in the home. We are at a standstill, and not by choice. Being in a funk and not having outside human contact is taking a toll on our mental health. Social butterflies are depressed and anxious. Those who live alone are drowning in their solitude.

Below I’ve listed four “Re-Ups” I hope will make some waves in the stillness of the COVID-19 ocean.

1. Re-charge: If we are to thrust ourselves toward a positive future, it is necessary to fill our minds with positive thoughts. Yes, these past few months have been filled with Debbie Downers, Karens, Corona, Job Loss, Police Brutality and Isolation; but now its time to recharge. Negativity can be draining, and with so much negativity going on around us, we need to plug out and recharge with positivity. Exercise, meditate, pray, and take a break from social media. Recharge your body by getting adequate rest and some relaxation. Take a long bath with your favorite scent, go to bed early and sleep in late (if you’re able), go to the beach, think of all the things that brought you joy and make time for them. People, places, things, hobbies. Spend time with your loved ones and children making fun filled memories. Facetime a friend that makes you laugh.

Enjoy your present presence, by practicing mindfulness. Be in the here and now, instead of thinking what was, or what could have been.

• Re-Ignite: Pay attention to things/activities that energize you and brings you joy. Do not allow the loud noises of self-doubt to drown out your purpose; your life’s purpose. Get out of your comfort zone, try new things if the old way isn’t working. If you are not able to live the life you’ve imagined, create the life you want with what you have. Love your life, enjoy the little things, read a book for inspiration, and live in the moment. Or try my all-time favorite go to when I need motivation…write. Journaling reduces stress and keeps your memory sharp. Remember why you fell in love with your partner, your career, your craft…reignite your passion for life. If there is no spark to be ignited in your current life, then strike a new flame.

• Re-Start: Unfortunately, we cannot restart life. Mistakes cannot be undone. But we can make a constant effort to make wise decisions today that will have positive impact on our tomorrow. If you are a person that has made some ill-advised decisions in the past, do not let that define your path moving forward. Restart. You can restart by allowing yourself to acknowledge the mistakes of your past, and start a new beginning using the experience and knowledge gained. Life does not present us with a well laid out road to travel, but instead one filled with twists, U-turns, detours, and the occasional traffic accident. Starting over can be terrifying, but it’s all about achieving new goals and creating a well thought out plan for your life.

• Re-Claim: Marie Kondo your life!! Get rid of all the clutter in your thoughts, in your home, in your car, and in your circle of friends. Remove what does not bring you joy. Go through your closet and get rid of clothes and shoes you no longer use, or unable to fit. Donate to a reputable charity, or a person you know that may be in need. Reclaim your space, reclaim your life, reclaim your joy. Stop using words and phrases that are filled with defeat and regret, words such as “clueless” “hopeless” “broken” “use to.” Use words such as “can” “will” “worthy” “I am”. Take that list of “use to” and change it to a list of things that are getting done. Fix your broken and renew your hope.

If you are not able to get out of your COVID-19 funk, and isolation is pulling you deeper into depression, please seek professional help. There are therapists who may still be seeing clients face-to-face, if not teletherapy is available.

For more on this blog post, listen to my podcast: Dr. Tamaru Speaks, available on all popular outlets. Or click the link below.

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/40007985