The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is kindness, which is perfect for these ‘unprecedented times’.
The campaign plans to encourage you to be kind to yourself and take time out for yourself each day – something I’ve struggled with since I became a parent, although, surprisingly, I’ve gotten a lot better at this during Lockdown. I think, in those days leading up to schools closing and working from home, I knew we were in for a big change, which would likely lead to a spike in my anxiety, and, being the anal planner that I am, I took steps to manage that early on.
I’m not good with change and I like to be in control: not exactly the perfect combination for someone with high-functioning anxiety and depression during lockdown! But I’m learning not to worry about things I can’t control and I’m choosing instead to focus on how I react to change.
I’m also someone who enjoys quiet and having the time and space to be creative. Being at home with Luke and Jenson 24/7 can be difficult, but I’m learning to work with what I have: long (quiet!) showers, reading a book instead of scrolling through my phone while Jenson is watching TV, catching up on grown up TV while Luke and Jenson play computer games upstairs, practising my lettering while Jenson is practising his own handwriting… I’ve learned to value myself, and my time and energy, and have started making myself a priority. And it feels pretty good!
Getting outside is now an important part of my day and has become an act of self-care. Lockdown has certainly encouraged me to take life at a slower pace and enjoy the smaller moments, like picnic lunches, BBQs on the balcony, walks along the beach, exploring the woods, playing football with Jenson in the park, feeding the squirrels… Even walking to the supermarket has become enjoyable – especially for a solo trip!
Of course, I’m not entirely selfish, and Lockdown has encouraged me to be kinder to others too, especially Jenson. Pre-Lockdown, my temper was shorter than I liked, and I rarely indulged Jenson’s whims. But it’s never been harder to be a four year old and, if I’m struggling with all of the change and uncertainty, it has to be ten times harder for him. So when he asks to build a den to sleep in, or to eat outside, or to race in the park, I say yes. Because when he asks to go back to school, or swimming, or to have a sleepover, I have to say no and add another activity to the mental list of ‘things we can do when all of this is over’.
I’m fortunate that I’ve been on the receiving end of acts of kindness too, including many a cooked meal from my mum and her partner, plus daily works of art and endless cuddles from Jenson. Lockdown ain’t all bad.
How have you been kind to yourself and others during Lockdown?