This list is meant purely as friendly advice, not as professional advice. If you are feeling the effects of anxiety, stress, depression, or other mental illness, please consult a medical professional, or contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of 2020, and remain constantly stressed. Feeling it today? Maybe take a little break, and hop into some self-care because the only way you can continue to help those around you is by making sure you’re okay, yourself.
Many of us began 2020 thinking “this is going to be my year,” or hoping that a new decade would give us the fresh start that we were keen on.
Instead it has boiled down to leaving many (if not all) of us on pins with anxiety, feeling anger for the injustice we’ve witnessed thus far, and feeling flat-out helpless.
From the massive wildfires around Australia beginning 2020 in a state of anxiety, to mid-March putting us in a hopeless state of being after shunting all of us into isolation, amongst more instances of racial injustice propelling the Black Lives Matter movement forward like never before, if you’re feeling a bit hopeless, stressed, anxiety-ridden, or just plain worn out, you’re certainly not alone.
During this year, however, even though we’ve gone through a range of emotions that we may have already been battling, or didn’t want to battle again, many have stood as warriors in 2020, making sure that wildlife is helped by raising funds, safeguarding others health by wearing a mask, and ensuring that we march with the Black Lives Matter movement to ensure that we will see racism cease to exist.
Even standing strong, it’s good to take a moment to remember that it’s okay to feel weak, and it’s okay to tuck into a little self-care to ensure that you’re ready to fight against whatever else this year could bring.
Need a bit of a pick-me-up? Here’s ten small things you could do that could possibly help you feel a bit better amongst the chaos that is carrying on.
Close your eyes and simply breathe.
It’s easy to continue to look at the chaos, especially if it’s unfolding right before your eyes. If you’re feeling the pressure bubbling over, simply take a minute to escape from the moment, close your eyes, and listen to yourself breathe.
Take your time, slowly inhale, and slowly exhale, and allow that breath to fill you up. If you’re able, lay on the floor, placing your hands on your belly, and allow yourself to feel your chest expand with air. You’re alive, and you’re going to be okay.
Take a walk, or simply open your window for some fresh air.
Getting caught up in your own head is easy to do, especially if all you see is the news, and all you can think of is the chaos. Have a look outside – notice how the birds are still tweeting, cars are still moving, and the sun is still shining.
If you’re able, take a walk, and enjoy the sounds around you. Realise that even though it may seem like the world is taken over by chaos, things are still moving, the world is still here, and you are still here.
Turn off the news, just for a little bit.
It’s important to stay informed, hands down. However, with everything that’s unfolding in 2020, there is such a thing as having too much news at once, and it can make you feel overwhelmed.
As most of the news right now is negative, plus much of social media brings up the current news, do your best to unplug, just for a little bit.
Reach out to a friend for a bit of a chat.
You’re not alone in feeling stressed, anxious, or even just sad about how life is going. This entire year is being experienced by everyone, and chances are your friends are feeling just as under pressure as you are.
Take a spare moment to talk to a friend. Ask them if they’re okay, express to them how you are, reminisce on the good times, and plan some future good times, something you can look forward to.
Write down your feelings in a journal.
Bottling up your emotions is an easy thing to do, especially if you feel like you’re burdening others by talking about your problems. Even if they’re not out there to a person, you could write your emotions on paper for a good release.
Paper won’t judge you, won’t laugh at you, and it certainly can’t argue. Write everything: your rants, your fears, your worries, and let it pour out of you. It may help you not feel as if you’re drowning with emotions.
Read a book or watch a movie and grant yourself a little time to escape.
It’s hard to have an escape right now, truly. With some suburbs on lockdown, and holidays far out of sight, our best hope for a bit of an escape to a different world is tucking into a good movie or book.
Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media, just take a moment to relax and get lost in a film or book you truly enjoy (and preferably one that will make you feel good).
Take a nap.
Stress has a way of making us perpetually exhausted. Trying to ride out the exhaustion by drinking coffee or forcing yourself to stay awake will not help, either.
It’s okay to indulge in a nap, even if you’ve only woken a few hours prior. Let your body drive you, and your mental health will appreciate when you’re well rested.
Sit somewhere comfortable and listen to your favourite album.
Music has a way of being a comfort, even in the worst of times. Whether you’re feeling happy, sad, stressed, overjoyed, or any number of emotions in-between, there is a tune out there to help you express those feelings ten-fold.
Often we listen to our favourite music by doing a ton of other things, but if you’re able, take a moment to simply listen to the music. Close your eyes, and get immersed in the sounds.
Do one small thing to help others.
In times of crisis, it’s easy to want to help, but sometimes hard to find the ways. Remember that sometimes even the smallest of things can help, and be a help to you.
Are you able to spare a dollar to someone struggling to find work? Would educating yourself on the plight of Indigenous people help the Black Lives Matter movement? Perhaps simply reaching out to a friend is all you can currently manage? Doing something for someone else could help you feel just a tad better.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you truly need it.
2020 has been a year, and it’s only halfway over. If you’re feeling the effects of this year, or any level of stress, anxiety, depression, or simply need someone to talk to, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
There are a multitude of helplines that are ready to take your call, and there are people who care about you and can help you work your way through whatever you’re going through.
Sometimes we all need a helping hand. If you need support, please reach out to us. We’re here around the clock on 13 11 14 or text with us every night, 6pm – midnight (AEST), on 0477 13 11 14. pic.twitter.com/ZumvzwKLEq
— Lifeline (@LifelineAust) June 29, 2020
