I’ve been feeling out of whack lately. My anxiety levels are at an all-time high and my OCD is through the roof. All of us have experienced exponential change as a result of the pandemic, so it’s quite possible you are feeling the same way. In May, I labeled this as the hidden anxiety of COVID-19. Five months later, it’s clear there’s little hidden about the emotional toll this has taken.
Despite the sudden halt in routine and lifestyle, I still pushed forward with all of the things that I had planned. We replaced our deck, upgraded the appliances in our kitchen, and took a family vacation to the beach. I kept the business running on all cylinders, despite drastic client adjustments in response to the pandemic. Unexpected changes occurred in our personal lives, as well. My husband switched jobs, I uncovered some health issues, and we experienced an unfortunate family crisis.
There’s a lot to be said for determination and drive. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am. But, even a good quality can become unhealthy when overused. This is one of those circumstances. I realize that I never adjusted my overzealous drive to match the circumstances around the pandemic. I just kept going. And now that I’ve become accustomed to this non-stop, self-imposed expectation, it’s even more challenging to try to find balance.
I am perpetuating the cycle of anxiety, like a roller coaster stuck in a loop. How do I stop it?
Baby steps.
The awareness, alone, is key. I can tell you a lesson I learned from this experience and it’s a universal one… Nothing is worth sacrificing your health. While some of my issues were self-imposed, I also allowed myself to be a victim of other people’s demands. Somehow I lost sight of my own worth and gave into unrealistic expectations. It wasn’t worth it.
Per the advice of my coach, I recently started utilizing Brendon Burchard’s High Performance Planner. It’s a daily planner that helps to increase productivity, but it’s also a guide for establishing the right mindset. It’s helping me to act more intentionally. It’s not about how much you get done in a day… it’s about focusing on the right things – and, as I recently discovered – at the right time.
I will continue to be a work in progress.
Hi Rachel, I can relate to this on a very personal level as all of the issues you outline above have monopolised my life for the last 18 months. Health issues, anxiety and uncertainty around Covid - although so lucky here in NZ to have it under control so quickly, family crises and running our business single-handed for 6 months while my husband was unable to contribute due to his illness. Like you, it was determination and drive that got me through, but it does take its toll. You are right in saying Awareness (and practice) is the key. Thanks for your honesty in sharing this personal post and all the best to you for your continued 'work in progress.'
Hi Midge, So nice to hear from you. Thank you for taking the time to read my post and share your experience. I'm very sorry to hear about Mike. I had no idea. I can't imagine having to deal with that on top of the stress around COVID. Preserve your energy as best you can. That's what I tell myself every day. Thinking of you.
Rachel