''I thought it would all go away within a few weeks, nothing too serious…''

This is probably the first time in my whole existence, where I’ve felt weird, anxious, confused and optimistic all at once, in regards to what’s going on in the world right now and that’s okay. With what’s going on right now, it’s okay to be unsure of how to feel. I’ve realised that when you’re going through so many different emotions/feelings, social media shouldn’t necessarily be the first thing that you turn to for guidance.

For several weeks now, I’ve been wanting to blog for you all but I have had so many different topics that I have wanted to speak about and I constantly kept changing my mind. I never intended to speak about politics/world issues on my site at all but today this is exactly what I’m doing. This is probably going to be one of my longer blog posts, however, still quite short.

In the beginning, like many, I didn’t take this Corona Virus(COVID-19) thing too seriously. Call me naive or whatever but I assumed that in this day and age with the technology we have, there’s nothing this that world we couldn’t sort out within a couple of weeks max. I thought it would all go away within a few weeks, nothing too serious. A few weeks later and it has now been classed as a ‘pandemic‘. We have now been told to practise social distancing/self-isolation and I can only imagine how difficult it’s going to be for the busybodies, the people who hate being still and those who always feel like they have to be doing something. The people that enjoy socialising, being around others constantly and hate being at home. I can’t say I can relate (because I can’t), however I can only imagine how ‘annoying’ this time must be. As annoying as it is, it’s a very small sacrifice we have to make for this to not get any bigger and to protect ourselves and others. I’m urging all of you, especially the younger generation who read my posts, to TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY. I’ve read so many tweets about how we aren’t taking it as seriously as we should and it’s true. Now more than ever, we all need to practise being selfless. Surrounding yourself with ten friends (who by the way have also been surrounded by tens of other friends, who will now be in contact with so many other people) is not ‘self-isolating’.

I don’t want to sound at all patronising or even negative but I think it’s vital I emphasise just how important it is to practise great hygiene and to do what’s necessary so that things can get back to normal. Self-isolation isn’t easy at all and can have a real impact on your mental health. We (over)think more, we worry more and our emotions are all over the place when we have too much time on our hands. As important as the news is, seeing/reading negativity constantly doesn’t help at all. Take care of yourself and if need be, turn everything off for an hour or even longer. Zone out and just practise self-care! 

During this time, we can do one of two things – allow this to break us or for us to come out of this with a new sense of appreciation for everything in our lives including the amazing NHS staff/emergency services, who are working day in and day out to help so many people. We all took the simplest of things for granted, for example being able to go to the shop and find most things, if not everything, we wanted there and then, go out for a meal with our friends/family whenever we wanted to, and even simple handshakes.  

If you’re struggling with things to do at home, I want to give you a few suggestions:

1. With all the gym’s closed, try home workouts. Search ”HIIT home workouts” on youtube and you will find some great videos. However, if you’re like me and have tried them but struggle to enjoy, find a park that isn’t busy and do some workouts there. According to the new rules set by the Prime Minister, we are allowed ”one form of exercise a day – for example a run, walk or cycle – alone or with members of your household.” If you opt to do this please remember to wear gloves, cover your mouth with a mask or scarf (if possible), don’t touch your face and keep your distance.
2. Learn a new skill and that could be absolutely anything. From learning a new language to learning how to design a website, something to keep your mind stimulated. A skill that you have always wanted to learn but due to never having the time or procrastination, you haven’t done so. Now is your time!
3. Something as simple as reading a book, a couple of chapters each day will do you a lot of good!
4. Medidate – I’ve been wanting to start this for so long and now I have every reason to give it a go. I’ve heard so many good things about meditating and can’t wait to start. In fact, I shall start tomorrow morning.
5. Try as best as you can to get into some kind of routine. I feel that’s super important. I have a routine now where I am awake between 7 am – 9 am depending on the time I go to sleep. I’m having breakfast every morning then doing my daily exercise in the morning. Having a bit of downtime by watching something on Netflix and then doing my uni work bit by bit. Some sort of structure in my life makes me feel better.

May we use this time to allow us to unlock our inner gifts/talents. May we use this time to fall in love with an interest/hobby we never knew of before. May we use this time to appreciate our loved ones more than ever before. Most importantly, may we use this time to come together as a country and not live in fear. Spread as much positivity and love as you can, whilst still practising social distancing. We could all do with it right now. It’s weird because I’m feeling so optimistic about the future ahead, I just know that we can and we will get through all of this!

I do hope that reading this blog for some of you, has lifted your mood just a little bit. Everything will be alright guys! In my head, I’ve repeatedly said sometimes it has to get worse before it gets better and soon this will be a distant memory! Praying for you all to be at peace and to see the light at the end of this tunnel. If anyone for whatever reason is struggling or just wants to talk, don’t hesitate to contact me!

I want to leave you with a few bible scriptures to read that will hopefully put your mind at ease. Take care of yourselves and keep safe! I’ll be back with a new blog post sooner than you think.

”Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. ” – Proverbs 3:5-6

”So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

”Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27