Mind Over Matter: Protecting Your Mental Health During this Crazy Year
Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness, now more than ever. I mean seriously, it's a real thing. Mental health support has never been more accessible than it is at this very moment, and if there were ever a time to access it, this would be it. This year has been bananas...and not in a good way. It's been one tragedy after the other and it doesn't seem to be slowing down. Whether we realize it, or not, we are not the same as we once were.
I actually started writing this on September 27, 2020. I totally forgot I had even started this post until now. Hmm...I wonder how that happened? That was a joke, I know exactly how it happened. LIFE! This year has been total chaos. I'm trying desperately to keep it together but I'm struggling. It's a lot harder to fake like you have everything under control when those people you put on a brave face for are with you 24/7.
When the pandemic first started I really appreciated being home with my family without the distraction of sports, parties, meetings, programs, etc. See, my husband travels for work so I am alone with the kids for 75% of the time. (Well was alone, I don't even know what that is anymore lol) With three kids, schedules can get hectic very easily. Did I mention that one is a toddler? So, when I say hectic, I mean it. Let me preface my next few statements by saying that I absolutely LOVE being a mother! Honestly. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. However, being a mother is not easy. I have always tried to present myself as this strong person that cannot be penetrated easily. Lately, God has been trying to reveal something to me. It has taken me awhile to understand, but finally, He got His point across and I'd like to share it with you. Although you can do it all, you don't have to. There is no shame in asking for help. There is no shame in admitting weakness. There is nothing wrong with wanting time for yourself. Every once in awhile you will be defeated, but don't give up. Share your load before it breaks you down.
In the beginning, back in March, I was on full display as a wife and mother. I tried to kill it, too. I was cooking multiple times a day, helping my kids with their school work, exercising in the mornings, keeping my house as clean as a 1 year old allows, spending time with my husband once the kids were finally asleep. Girl, I was really showing out LOL! The thing is, no one knew how long COVID-19 would have control over us. I was trying to do the most everyday anticipating that soon, everything would go back to normal. After a few weeks of that, I was exhausted. I felt like I couldn't show it though. As mothers, we know we are the backbone of our families, even if no one will admit it. I had to be tough, especially when everyone around me was breaking down. Then, one day, the inevitable happened. I finally broke down. I had gotten really tough news about a friend I didn't have the tools anymore to deal. My cup was full. I ended up having an anxiety attack in front of my whole family and that's when God's words became clear to me.
All the things I shared with you earlier, I heard so clearly through that experience. But, guess what? I'm a better person now. I have grown and learned so much. I am not putting my mental health on the backburner because my family needs the best version of me. Just like your family needs the best version of you. So, please, work on your mental fitness. Take the time for yourself that you have been endlessly giving to others. You don't have anything to prove and you cannot hide behind those old distractions anymore because there are new distractions now. Whether it's reading, meditating, watching pointless television, talking to friends, talking to a therapist, etc, find a way to better service you and exercise it everyday.