Flock of Pigeons - Staying Sane In An Age Of Isolation
Feb 10, 2021
Pigeons, like many birds, travel in flocks.
So do many people. Or at least they used to before the current health care crisis.
And that lack of "flock protection" for a year now has thrown many people off their stride. Oh, they hold it together in front of the spouse and the kids. Still, there is a growing sense of isolation and sometimes depression from our social support separation.
This is understandable and predictable. Humans are social animals (well, most of you are. Me, not so much). There is nothing wrong with if it makes you sad or uncomfortable not to be with your friends.
But just like you are responsible for what you eat, getting exercise, and getting to a doctor if you are sick, you are responsible for how you respond to that natural reaction. It is time to get pro-active about taking care of yourself mentally and emotionally.
Do something to lift your spirits.
Connect to other people. Even though you can't connect in person, at least connect online. Join an online book club. Find a group on Facebook that shares your interests. Hold a family reunion on Zoom.
I know, it's not the same. But it is better than nothing.
Increase your exercise. (I know, I am not one to talk about exercise). The level of your physical activity has a direct correlation to your mental well being. Training (I have been told) is excellent for lifting spirits. I saw an article just today about how being outside, especially in green spaces, can improve your brain function and make you feel better. (It can be a neighborhood park, you don't have to travel to the wilderness)
And if you are overwhelmed, get help.
Let me repeat that.
If you are overwhelmed, get help.
There is no shame in not handling things significantly when our usual support networks are disrupted. It is not a sign of failure as a human being, or a bad mark on your upbringing, or even a disappointment in the eyes of your higher power.
When we need more focus on our physical exercise, we get a trainer. When we need new ideas for dinner, we use a cookbook. When we can't figure out how the stupid remote control works, we break down and read the manual. When we are driving to a place we have never been before, we use a map.
This is new territory. If you can't figure it out, get help, just like you get help in so many other areas of your life. I have personally been in counseling for many periods of my life. And it helps. I would not be who I am without that help.
So swallow that pride, evaluate where you are and how you feel about all of this.
And finally, try to live these 3 mantras that I close all my live broadcasts with:
* Be good to yourself
* Be kind to other people
* Become the person you would like to meet.
Peace out.
-- Ron
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