It is all about learning how to tackle the new normal, and how you can support yourself and your family during the situation.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Basics
When you find that the day-to-day of supporting others is taking its toll on you, it might just be time to strip it back to basics. Maintaining your usual rhythm when there is something big going on can be difficult. For some, keeping things ticking over at high speed is ideal, but for others having less to do is going to be better.
If you have children, then it is likely that some stability is going to be your preference, which means keeping up clubs, school, and the routine they are most used to with as little disruption as possible.
Time
They say that time heals wounds, but in reality, time spent well can fill you up again when you need it most. Making sure that you have time with people who make you feel calm, relaxed, and cared for is essential.
However, you need to have time for yourself too. Being able to have the space to process what is going on for yourself is important. If you’ve personally suffered trauma, or it is someone close to you, then you need to have that room for yourself.
Help
There will be times that what you are doing for others might need to be supported elsewhere too. Asking for help for yourself or seeking help for others can be a difficult step, but it can make a huge difference in how you feel and the recovery of the person in question. There are some things like drink or drugs where outside help is often the best thing that you can do.
Drug rehab centers and meetings can be a great source of support for you and your family members. Online forums can often be useful too. Don’t be afraid to reach out and find help.
Healthy Coping Mechanism
As well as spending time with friends and family, and seeking out help. There are some other healthy coping mechanisms that you can introduce for you and your family. These will help to take care of yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Here are a few great options:
- Spending time outdoors
- Exercising
- Reading
- Being creative
- Drinking lots of water
- Resting and relaxing
- Watching a funny movie
- Listening to music and singing
Find ways to take care of yourself and enjoy things. It isn’t a crime to find things you enjoy, and that makes you smile even in the hardest of times. In fact, it might just be the remedy you need for a while. A stroll around your local park, followed by a slowly brewed tea or coffee, can make you feel great.