Prioritising mental health
The past Covid season, which has managed to last a few years has taken its toll on the mental wellbeing of society as a whole. In general, people are triggered more easily, more anxious and stressed compared to pre-Covid times. I was no exception.
To be honest, I do consider myself a fairly adaptable person. I have been to the rural areas of Timor Leste and to Portugal for a significant amount of time was able to manage just fine, despite the cultural differences and language challenges. However, the spate of lockdowns, semi-lockdowns and changes in regulations turned me slightly batty.
Oh I know when I need some self-care when I am irritable, exasperated or just plain tired of navigating life (can I please take a sabbatical?). I love a quote I found on Pinterest that alludes to the Prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 19 who was exhausted, hungry and depressed after escaping from Jezebel so much so that he wanted to die. An angel from the Lord then fed him, left him alone to rest and fed him again. The quote goes "never underestimate the spiritual power of nap and a snack". It is a little tongue-in-cheek, but there is a great deal of truth to it. Even Jesus Himself often took time out on His own to spend it with the Father. So I think, if Jesus did it, it must be important enough for me to do it too.
Fukuoka’s Ohori Park, where I had my first “OHO!” moment while sipping on a can of melon soda.
Very often, we run on autopilot or keep taking on more commitments without considering the long term consequences. We want to be productive and useful, which is great - there is nothing inherently wrong with being diligent. In fact, we should be! But it is when we begin to overcommit and take on more than we can handle without considering the potential stress it adds to us. I am not saying that we ought to ditch our responsibilities, park ourselves on a deserted island and indulge in "me time" until the cows come home (or your bank account dries up, whichever comes first). But it is also productive to schedule in rest and to give yourself a break when you need it.
Life isn't a sprint. It's a marathon. And you want to go the distance. I know I do.
So in pursuit of equilibrium and sanity during those very odd times, I have found that my mental health is worth much more than money. It is worth more than what others think of me should I say no to a commitment. I have also found ways to unwind. Travel, now that we are free to do it, is also a newfound love. Find your loves and the things that replenish you. Is it socialising with a select group of friends or hanging out by the beach alone? Is it reading a novel or painting still life? Whatever you choose to do to add value to your soul will be beneficial to help you go the distance. ♡
