Hi 👋🏼 it’s been a while. In case you’re new here, I’m Angela. I haven’t made much of an update as of late. A lot of things are going on IRL. It sure feels like nothing is going on, yet everything has changed.
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The majority of the world is still trying to adjust to the new norm. How does one cope with being cooped up at home? What about the ones that are frustrated with their bills? How about the parent(s) who have to home school? Then some have lost their jobs too! It’s not a surprise that people are wondering what to do. I have discussed those and quite a few more topics here on the blog in hopes that it helps someone too. But what about you? Are you okay?
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When was the last time you’ve given yourself time to think, wind down, pause, breathe, and appreciate even the smallest things? It may not seem much, but it is.
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Honestly, I have always been the type to shrug things off. I don’t ever put myself first because my excuse is that I am selfless, and that’s just how much I love my family. That I don’t have the time to waste on myself because I can do more for them if I set my own needs aside.
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The hidden truth behind that is that I am also afraid to prioritize myself because I feel guilty. Guilty that I don’t deserve it. Afraid to become a different version of what I am used to that I immediately convinced myself that IF I do so, then I am a bad wife and mother. That right there is my anxiety talking.
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Here we are now in the 3rd quarter of the year. This pandemic had us all cooped up. While staying at home is nothing new to me being that I am also an introvert, I also enjoy the quiet. My sanity needs it. So I tend to hide from my kids while sipping coffee in the kitchen. With my anxiety, I feel that I’m a terrible parent. That I am selfish. That I am this and that. You know what? It is what it is, and that’s okay. I am not perfect. I do the best that I can.
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If you too feel somewhat defeated on some days or most days, just know that is more than O.K. ♥️ remember, self-love is important also.
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Sincerely,
another mama in isolation with a toddler and a newborn.
Mental Wellness in Isolation
XOXO
TARA PITTMAN
August 10, 2020Mental wellness is always so important. I am not sure I like the new normal.
JP
August 10, 2020The pandemic definitely had various mental effects on every one of us. Reading this post got me thinking about when was the last time I took a vacation leave. LoL, it’s been a while.
Celebrate Woman Today
August 10, 2020Isolation can become another stressor in life. Realizing it may be too hard. That is why it is important to SELFCARE and take thyself as a priority. Everybody who depend on you will benefit.
Christine Weis
August 10, 2020I too feel guilty when I’d rather work or have quiet time instead of being with my kids or any kind of noise. I don’t think you nor I am being selfish, I think we are overstimulated with our daily routines, social media and others. Sometimes we just need what we need for the sake of our own mental health. We all need what we need. Take care of yourself! 😉
katrina Kroeplin
August 10, 2020isolation is showing that it takes its toll on us. i don’t think any of us really realized now much until the pandemic. we really need to check on people around us.
Kathy
August 10, 2020I love this. I’m so glad you wrote about it. I think it’s going to be challenging for many of us. I have decided to do homeschooling for at least half the year. We’ll see how it all goes. I let my kids decide, and that’s what they wanted, so that’s what we’re going to do. I’m sure it’s going to get hard, but we’ll make it through.
the joyous living
August 10, 2020glad you are not hitting yourself on the head for being who you are. like you said, it is what it is. Be yourself and be a good mother. Those 2 can happen at the same time.
Marie Phillips
August 10, 2020As I have gotten older, it has become easier to give myself a bit more time. It has been nice. 🙂
Pati Robins
August 10, 2020you should never feel guilty for priroitizing yourself , i know its so much easier said that done , but its the truth x
TheHappyMommie
August 11, 2020I agree with you dear , self love is indeed important but often in our daily routine we forget to take care of ourselves
Kileen
August 11, 2020This was such a great post! Self care is so important! I agree with you it can be hard to put yourself first without feeling guilty about it but we have to make sure we are doing okay!
Kileen
Emily
August 11, 2020Self love is really important at al times but especially at the moment. There are times when it has been a struggle during this isolation, but then i change it to something more positive and get things done that I wouldnt have had the time to do usually.
Shilpa bindlish
August 11, 2020That’s such an important issue to discuss. At times, it gets difficult to maintain mental health.
Catalina
August 11, 2020Self love is very important. It’s very important to feel good with ourselves and be grateful for everything. Thanks for reminding us of this.
Toni Dash
August 11, 2020Thank you so much for this! I needed this today! Such a great and heartwarming reminder.
Mae
August 11, 2020Self-care and wellness are very important during these times of isolation though I am an introvert too, so I’m fine being home with my toddler! lol
Krysten Quiles
August 11, 2020I’m struggling this week. One of my best friends isn’t my friend anymore. Isolation turned her into a mean person and I finally stood my ground, and now I’m the bad guy. I’m so sad. Hopefully things will get better soon.
Stephanie
August 11, 2020I so appreciate your vulnerability in this post. You are definitely not alone in your anxious thoughts or even your frustration during this time. We’re all adjusting to a new normal, and this new normal comes with challenges for each and every one of us, that’s for sure. I am sending you lots of love, and I hope you can find some peace and quiet in your every day very soon!
tweenselmom
August 11, 2020Maintaining our mental wellness is definitely important especially in our current situation, thanks for sharing this interesting article with us!
Emily Fata
August 11, 2020During the early days of lockdown in March (here in Toronto, Canada), I found the social isolation to be taking a hard negative toll on my mental health. However, in the months of adapting, I’m actually enjoying it now!
WanderlustBeautyDreams
August 11, 2020This is great topic! I’m the same way in regards to putting other people first. I realized during quarantine that I need to focus on myself and my mental health. I went through many ups and downs and just trying to keep positive during this hectic time.
Ntensibe Edgar
August 11, 2020Aawwww…..you should prioritize yourself more, Angela. That is because no one else will….not even your own family, sadly.
Lily Ayala
August 11, 2020This is so important to talk about and share. Everyone needs to know that feeling like this is not uncommon.
Matt Taylor
August 11, 2020Yes, so much going on in the world, being cooped up is getting old. Hopefully, things will improve soon. I am taking a much needed camping trip in a week and a half which will be so nice to be away from my house and computer and social media and the news, and just enjoy nature.
Lauryn Hock
August 11, 2020Thank you for being so open and honest about your mental health! What you say is true– it’s important that we take care of ourselves so that we can be the best for others.
Amanda
August 11, 2020Agree, we definitely need to protect our mental health during this time and it’s perfectly okay to take some time for yourself. Thanks for sharing this message!
Melanie williams
August 11, 2020It is so important for us to keep a check on our own mental health and on that of others…good on you for raising awareness x
Bella
August 11, 2020Thank you for sharing this, I’m sending you so much love and good vibes. I have totally been feeling over whelmed lately
Hannah
August 11, 2020I’m an introvert too and enjoy the quiet moments at home but I feel even more bust now that I’m home and am trying to figure how to better manage it all.
Jasmine Martin
August 11, 2020Self-love and doing mental health care checks is so important during this time. It’s definitley crucial to take time out to be social and still stay connected to others especially if being in consistent isolation can be overwhelming.
Chin chin
August 11, 2020I could relate to what you’re saying. Moms are truly selfless. I’m not saying that just because I’m also a mom. But ever since I’ve been a mom, I feel that I thought of and took care of others more most of the time. It’s not bad but we also need to take care of ourselves.
Ambuj Saxena
August 11, 2020Well scripted blog post angela… covid lockdown has taught us many lessons and self love is one of them! Thanks for reminding me to spend some time with myself!
Emman Damian
August 12, 2020I really believe in self-love. Sometimes we need to have an isolation so we can introspect.
Lily
August 12, 2020You are not alone Angela. Pandemic Blues are real and many of us havent fully recovered over the shock of all of these changes.
Rose Ann Sales
August 12, 2020Oh yes.. I absolutely get your point. And thanks for reminding about self care.
SHADRACK BIWOT
August 12, 2020this is really great information during the corona pandemic. will make sure to share this
Joanna
August 12, 2020I think the hardest part was at the beginning, getting used to being at home all the time and not being allowed to go out. By now, I embraced the new normality and find my way around it, to stay sane.
Celebrate Woman Today
August 12, 2020Isolation has been hard on many. It just proves one more time how social we all are. Self-care and connecting with the friends and family, reaching out to the community we live in to help and support – all these little things build our resistance and mental stability.
Deborah
August 12, 2020Thank you for writing this post and sharing your experience! I was listening to Michelle Obama’s podcast and one thing she said that resonated with me was her feelings of low-grade depression. I’m similar to you in that I’m also the type to just shrug things off and soldier on quietly because how would complaining change anything? But keeping all these feelings of anxiety and depression inside has definitely been taking a toll on my mental health. We should all try our best to do what’s best for us – whether it’s talking to a friend, taking a relaxing bath, etc.
Sincerelyjackline
August 12, 2020Yeah, mental health is a topic that is so important but we do not talk about enough. Great article. Mental health is even more important with isolation.
katrina Kroeplin
August 13, 2020it’s hard. we need to take care of ourselves but there is so much to do. but in reality if we don’t take care of oursleves we can’t help others.
Elizabeth O
August 14, 2020Dear Angela, I must have been out of the loop because I remember your toodler but I didn’t know you had another baby. Don’t feel guilty about taking time for yourself. It is a necessary part of Motherhood. You are more effective when you include selfcare in the mix. Hugs and love,xxx
Delia atenea
August 16, 2020we’ve all had those down days but positivity and prayer and thankfulness is a greater mood booster! Also maybe a little online shopping!!!