Anxiety leaving lock-down? Journaling can help
Waking to new rules and saying goodbye to familiar routines, that have kept us going in Sydney for 106 days, can feel a bit scary. It did for me. And it was strangely unexpected.
There was definitely an anxious niggle telling me I needed to explore these emotions and ‘feel all the feels’ before I could start my day.
Whether you are greeting ‘Freedom Day’ or that is still a little way away for you, journaling may help to get some clarity with your thoughts and feelings.
Using a creative process that works for you (whether its art, writing or something else), can help release all those built-up emotions and doubts. And can shine light on what is really behind the fear and uncertainty.
Absolutely I’m excited about making restaurant bookings, putting on my heels, seeing Sydney once again in all its sparking glory and imaging the happy tears from first hugs with girlfriends overseas. The flipside is I’ve grown to feel safe in this new reality and don’t want to let some parts of it go.
So, if you’re feeling a tad anxious today, for whatever reasons, I am writing this for you. I hope it helps you feel a bit lighter.
Why you may feel anxious:
- Socializing again
- Having children/loved ones unvaccinated
- Feeling a temporary division in society
- Loosing Government payment
- Catching Covid-19
- Facing change (ANY change takes a period of adjustment).
Method
Meditation:
If you’re into meditation, I loved this one today
Or otherwise – close your eyes to some calming music for a few mins, let your mind’s chitter chatter start to quiet.
Journaling: Write two lists:
1. What did you enjoy during lockdown?
Scribble down whatever comes to mind – new routines/ what were the positives to a simpler life/ connections with people – either online or in person/ new interests you discovered/ how did you ‘grow’/ what challenges stood out & make you proud you got through it?
2. What are you excited to do again?
Think big and small (who can’t you wait to see/ what have you missed/ what can you now plan for?)
When you’re done, read over your lists and add anything else that comes to mind.
Then take some time to notice what feelings come up for you.
- Were your lists balanced?
- Did anything surprise you?
- How does your body feel now?
- Notice your breath – is it slower than when you began?
What I discovered:
My ‘what I enjoyed list’ list exceeded what I was looking forward to. Crazy! Despite my complaints along the way, the limitations we have lived with has become a likable norm that has evolved into a lot of personal growth for me.
By writing these lists, I felt in control once again and had thankfulness for the resilience my family has shown during this time, that we have discovered new things (future tools) that make us happy and became stronger/ closer together.
Also my anxiety quickly started to fade as it occurred to me that what we created in lockdown doesn’t have to disappear altogether.
The things we loved most can still be incorporated into this new road ahead. Knowing that gives a sense of ease and lessens the feelings of fear.
You might want to do this alone, or with a friend – or ask your family to do it together. We wrote our lists this morning before home schooling and work calls – and plan to chat over tonight at dinner.
Whenever you start to get back to the world outside of your walls, take it slowly and go at your own pace. And should things start to feel overwhelming, come back to the process of journaling, and getting it all out of paper 🙂
