I think a lot of us are still ingrained to believe that ‘health’ comes in the shape of green smoothies, lots of sweaty activities and looking like someone out of a magazine. Even as times, and the view of what ‘healthy’ could mean, have started to shift, these ideas are still warped by social media, celebrities and general media scrutiny. As we all continue our journeys trying to navigate these difficult times, my perspectives have certainly been altered in a way that perhaps they couldn’t have been if not for a global pandemic. Right now, being healthy is more important than ever, but not in the way that a lot of us previously thought. Internal health is of course at the forefront of all of our minds as the threat of a virus continues to wreak havoc on all of our lives. Physical health is still of importance in order to keep ourselves as safe as possible from the virus. But mental health, which has been overlooked for decades, is arguably the most important of all. It is not until recently that I have perhaps started to become more mindful of not only the work and stress of our daily lives and the affect this has on our mental health, but also choosing to view our schedules, the way we exercise and eat, and the thoughts and tasks we carry with us on a daily basis, in a way that is mindful of our mentalities.
In my personal experience, various tasks that would cause me anxiety include: a lengthy near impossible daily to-do list, a lengthy inbox of unanswered emails (particularly negative ones), a messy home and working space, and running out of time to do tasks that are not necessarily currently monetary, but that I deem as impactful for my future and career. As many of us know, dealing with the above, stress and any personal mental health struggles are not instantly fixable. However, we can all definitely implement alterations into our daily routine in order to diminish any struggles or stresses.
Exercise
For me, exercise has always been a useful tool to help with anxious thoughts or stress. Finding a love and focus for the gym and strength training for me was a release, but has been something I have found difficult to adapt to in the current situation. There are times when I have felt motivated to workout from home, but also a lot of times that I would much rather have stayed on the sofa. However, remaining sedentary is definitely not helpful for my state of mind, and so finding more mindful ways to exercise that perhaps causes less stress to my body has been a key factor in reducing stress levels. Partaking in yoga has been particularly helpful in calming my racing thoughts on busy days, and dancing around the kitchen whilst cooking dinner has been a good way to let off steam. Finding a new way to exercise that perhaps feels less like exercising is not a failure during lockdown, but instead a huge win for both physical and mental health.
Sensible scheduling
As someone who loves organisation, the need to have a well scheduled day, including a completed to-do list, empty inbox and clean house is highly important for me to have a stress-free productive day. It also means I probably set the bar way too high, and as a result, end up giving myself more tasks to complete each day in order to simply get my day started. Striving for perfection is just not doable, but striving for your best is. Setting a weekly to-do list means I don’t end the day worrying about incomplete tasks. Including regular cleaning in this to-do list, as well as designated admin time and hour slots to make sure I can fit in practice, writing and recording around my work are essential to make sure my week functions effectively, but also leaves me time to work on other important work related musical tasks, that are otherwise on hold for the moment considering the current circumstances. A mix of being realistic with my schedule as well as timetabling ‘work for future Abi’s career’, or ‘work for Abi’s state of mind’ are all essential to make sure my day is both productive without being overwhelming, and enjoyable.
Me time
So many of us are definitely guilty of merging our work life and home life. It is impossible not to at the moment when the majority of us are working in the same rooms we relax in. Reminding yourself that it is healthy to take time away from your work for a lunch break, dinner break and at least a few hours to relax (besides when you sleep) is so important to make working from home ‘healthy’. I have found a real love for reading over the past year – it’s an ideal form of escapism without switching on a device, and a great way to switch off from work. Taking 20 minutes here and there, especially on days with longer schedules, is crucial for me to keep myself in a positive mindset for the day. I often feel as though there are not enough hours in the day, and so it is important to remember not to overwork. Whether you find comfort or release in reading, journalling, colouring, listening to music, or anything in between, find time to do it every day. It is just as much of a crucial part of your day as the work you do.
Whether forming ‘healthy’ habits for you involves taking more time to yourself, switching up your routine, or altering your exercise routine, ‘health’ does not, and should not, look the same for everyone. Making sure that health, in it’s entirety, is significant in your life does not have to mean a constant grind. It should mean looking after your physical health, taking time off of work, focusing on your wellbeing and mindset, and doing whatever is necessary to protect it. Your ideal of ‘healthy’ may look very different or very similar to mine, but after everything that we have been through, and continue to go through, prioritise it.