You know that old saying that goes “you can’t pour from an empty cup”? Well, as we head towards the end of another year around the sun some of us may be feeling excited to get some much needed time off over the holidays, some may be feeling a little overwhelmed and some of us may be battling to get through each day from all of the current external pressures we may be faced with.
Over the past few weeks I have come into contact with so many people who are saying the same thing when I ask them how they are doing “Tam, I am so tired.” – This got me thinking. Generally at this time of year – it is natural to feel a little tired but some how this time around feels a little different.
Let’s face it – this whole crazy pandemic is a first of its kind. A world lockdown. How insane is that just in itself.
Everyone I have personally connected with and spoken to is completely drained, exhausted and “over it” – for lack of a better explanation. This crisis has heightened so many risk factors generally associated with poor mental health including – financial insecurity, unemployment, fear – while protective factors – social connection, employment and educational engagement, access to physical exercise, daily routine, access to health services – fell dramatically.
This has led to a significant and unprecedented worsening of population mental health. Not just here in our beautiful country but globally. Life as we knew it has changed and it changed fast.
We are adapting because we are resilient but it does not mean that the underlying impact of it all is not there.
The scale of mental distress since the start of the pandemic requires so much more integrated, whole‑of-society mental health support if it is not to lead to permanent scarring. Is this the zombie apocalypse? – no just kidding. But the way most of us are walking around these days – it is pretty zombie like to me!
With this all being said. I tried to find ways to help. Help the people I loved, help business associates and clients, help whoever I could in whatever way I could offer them, whether it was advise, a piece of writing I had seen that may be relevant so I shared it with them or even just a shoulder.
Here is how you can get involved in raising the vibe in a world that is a little broken right now. I even included some vibe raisers for yourself to mull over personally.
- When you ask if someone is ok – actually listen to the answer.
- If you read something that resonates with you and you know of someone struggling – share it with them. It really can change someone’s life.
- Be more present every day. Especially around the ones you love. If you need to put the electronics away – put them away. Be in the moment with people.
- Worrying about tomorrow only steals joy from today. Don’t let anything or anyone steal joy from this present moment.
- If you have a friend who has a small business – support them if you can, even if it is just referring them via word of mouth.
- Support local as much as you can – local businesses, entrepreneurs, musos, artists – spread the love locally.
- Show appreciation to those who care about you. No matter what your love language is or how you show them be sure you let them know you appreciate them.
- If you are in a position to help some one in need in some way or form reach out.
- Be kinder. Man the world is so full of ugliness. Just be kinder in all that you do. As cliche as this is – Kindness really does go a long way!
Small changes. Small positive changes can turn your entire life around. START TODAY! Imagine a world full of every one trying to look out for one another – for just caring enough to say – Hey, are you ok?
Beautiful people of The Bay – if you are tired, rest. Find what brings you joy and do that. Go for a walk in nature. Get that ice cream and sit on the beach. Swim in the ocean. Book that holiday. Look after yourself and stay safe. You can’t pour from an empty cup – fill your own cup.
Need a little bit more cheer? Why not read Dealing with depression – don’t push your feelings aside...
