Staying safe and sane while the world around you goes mad!!

We are all in a similar situation the world over right now. All trying to stay safe and make the best of everything as and when we can. Many of us are struggling to cope with the uncertainty of life and the turmoil we have been thrown into. Some of us are with family and some of us are on our own.

We will all cope in our own way and at different times. Some days we will be ok and some days we will find it hard to cope at all. Some of us are continuing to work, others self isolating and many more forced be at home without the security of work or a proper wage. It is therefore important that we try and look after our own mental health and that of those around us.

Wherever possible try and stay in touch with family and friends in whatever way you safely can. The internet allows many of us face to face contact but phones and texts are just as important, even if it’s just to say “I am here” or “Are you ok?”. Remember to check on your strong friends, they will often show the world a brave face whilst falling apart inside.

Some people are working flat out while others are now finding they have many more hours to while away than before. Some people are feeling guilty that they are not working or doing more around their own home or to help others. Try not to let yourself dwell on all the negatives that are happening around us all the time. There has to be a balance in life. We need to be practical, we need to find ways of making everything work but we also need to take time out to do things that make us happy, wherever we can.

As a witch I am naturally drawn towards the solace and tranquility of nature to ease my troubled mind. I seek peace and respite from the outside world in my love of the earth, my garden and the plants I grow. Fruit and vege, with herbs for cooking and home remedies, more important now than ever. I am also drawn to the woods and beach but we have to stay away, so my garden will be my own little haven for now. It brings me peace to be grounded and to be at one with nature. That’s not to say that taking time out will make life all “rosy in the garden”, the problems will still be there for all of us but in order to cope and process these problems we need to take a break from them now and again, without guilt. We are all just trying to survive and get through this the best we can.

It will be different for each and everyone of us. My son finds respite in playing online games, my daughter-in-law is finding peace from colouring, my friend reads or plays music and dances round the house, another friend is learning to play guitar via an online course and my neighbour is sewing and crafting. Joining online groups to chat and share ideas with others of similar interests or learning something new are also firm favourites at the moment. It really doesn’t matter what it is, so long as it makes you happy, relaxed or not thinking about problems, even if just for a little while.

Some may be finding it hard to get motivated and do anything at all, while others feel so overwhelmed with the amount of work they have – they are too tired to do anything for themselves. Many of us are also having to cope with grief and separation, including myself. It’s a mixed up world out there and whatever situation you find yourself in, chances are there is not much you can do to change that at the moment.

However, you can change the way you react to day to day life. Be patient with yourself, take one day at a time, do one task at a time, contact one friend at a time, reach out to them if you need to or be there for them if you are able. Allow yourself some rest and relaxation whenever you can. Try meditation, listen to some music, switch off the news, grow plants in a window box, give social media a break, get busy doing something or just sit and rest. Do whatever you need to do.

It’s ok to be you, it’s ok not to be ok every single day and it’s ok to have some fun now and then.

Above all, be kind to yourself and others.

Stay safe and stay well !