Being D.E.A.R in Lockdown

May 26, 2020 Harriet Franklin

Being D.E.A.R to ourselves in Lock Down

Everyone’s lock down experience has been different. I know for me there have certainly been ups and downs and I know for others there have been more downs that ups and vice versa.

Some may see my strategy to cope with lock down as being selfish (something I learnt to do about 3 years ago) but in order for me to ‘get through it’ I’ve had to focus on what I can control, me.

I can’t fix the challenges we face right now and I certainly can’t control the outcomes still to come. What I am lucky enough to be able to do is take responsibility for me and my wellbeing. Physical and mental. I don’t have any health conditions which require professional treatment so my physical and mental wellbeing is completely down to me. I can ensure I stay safe and focus on doing what keeps me well. Easier said than done on some days. In equipped2succeed we talk about being D.E.A.R to ourselves. Looking after ourselves with our Diet, Exercise, Attitude and Rest, so that’s what I’ve done.

Diet - I can consciously eat food that will fuel my body, boost my immune system and keep me well. Sometimes this means a little comfort food, working my way through some dairy milk, but always ensuring there is balance. Sticking to the basics. 2 litres of water a day. 5 portions of fruit and vegetables. Limiting my coffee and alcohol intake which for me heightens any negative feelings I may have.

Exercise - Moving my body. Listening to what my body needs and wants and going with the flow. This has looked very different for me day to day, week to week. My daily activity has ranged from a 5km run and a body weight session to 5 minutes having a stretch on the floor or in bed before I go to sleep.

Attitude - Maintaining positive language with myself. Being kind to myself, not putting too much pressure on myself (this is the one I have struggled with most). Focusing on being kind to others. I always get the biggest boost of positivity when I do something kind for others. I don’t mean big grand gestures, I’m sure there are a lot of you being extremely kind to those you live with by ensuring they get fed, have some clean clothes and access to as many hugs as they need.

Rest - The first indicator for me that I am in a period of low mood is wanting to sleep, all the time. It’s a fine balance between allowing myself a little extra rest to recuperate and over sleeping to the point where I feel sluggish and don’t want to do anything. I know for some people this is the complete opposite and it’s the lack of sleep that is the challenge. I did a previous blog on sleeping well (click here to read) which you might find interesting. Again, it’s about finding balance. Resting and relaxing when we need to and supporting ourselves to have the best sleep possible.

I have lots of internal conversations with myself about D. E. A. R, and all sorts of topics for that matter and they always go along these lines. Do I genuinely need ‘it’ or do I want ‘it’? This is something my Dad always used to say to me when I wanted new shoes or clothes. Do I genuinely need extra sleep, chocolate, a trashy movie or do I want it? If I need it to recover and keep myself well, I do it. And If I don’t need it but I want it, that’s ok. As long as I am getting what I need as well; water, veggies, movement, quality sleep, rest and positive energy within and around me.

I mentioned at the start that I learnt to be selfish, and be ok with it, about 3 years ago. In order for me to have mental and physical wellbeing I need to focus on me. By focusing on me and my wellbeing I ensure I am not a burden on others and I am better able to support those around me.

Thank you for taking the time to read this short article please get in touch with comments, feedback and questions.

If you are currently facing challenges with maintaining your mental wellbeing and need to seek additional support and advice please call the Samaritans on 116 123

If you are in need of urgent professional medical attention call 999

Additional reading and resources;

https://www.samaritans.org/

https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/