Sometimes when we’re going through a rough patch, we can be really hard on ourselves and mistake our negative feelings as signs of weakness – it’s not. Yes, we as South Africans are really resilient, but let’s remember that we’re not made of stone. It’s okay to not be okay. Tomorrow will be better.
South Africa (19 December 2022) – It’s all downhill form here. No friends, I don’t mean that it’s all bad news. I mean that there are just a few more weeks left of 2022 and this is the time of year that many look forward to. We made it! We got through 2022, load shedding, inflation and petrol price increases notwithstanding. South Africans have once again proven that with our one-of-a-kind sense of humour, and never say die attitude, ordinary citizens come together when it matters.
While many of us are counting down the days to Ke Dezemba, sunshine, pool time and Pina Coladas, there are many who really struggle with this time of year and just need someone to tell them that it’s going to be ok. It really is going to be ok. Take a breath. Unclench your jaw and untense your shoulders.
2022 has been a hard year but I truly believe that we face times of adversity so that when the tide turns and our luck changes – and it always does – we appreciate those moments and those days so much more.
If you are one of those individuals struggling with the end-of-year blues, please know that you’re not alone. Here are some great things you can do for an instant mood lift.
Staying socially connected is absolutely vital for your mental health as is setting routines that you can stick to throughout the day. Consciously limiting your time on social media and making contact with other humans is a great mood-upliftment tool. Meet for a coffee, braai, drinks or casual get-together. If you’re not ready, or not able to do that, a WhatsApp or call reaching out to your family and friends will do wonders for your mental health.
Getting out into the garden and taking in some sunshine is another great, easy and quick mood booster. Vitamin D is such a fantastic natural mood enhancer, as is putting your feet on the grass and taking in a few deep breaths.
Self-care is also a real thing – if you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a few hours or take the day to get stuck into that series or movie you’ve been putting off. Or go for a walk, the weather over December is perfect for it. Switching off for a while is absolutely ok, as is taking a break from social media which can be extremely toxic.
I honestly believe that there is also something to be said about gaming and I really love spending some “me time” on my PlayStation every now and then and if you enjoy that too, perhaps organise an online game with a few friends. I guarantee it will lift your spirits.
Exercising is another very underutilised form of ‘therapy’ to keep your endorphins or feel-good hormones elevated. Moving your body for just twenty minutes a day will have a great impact on your ability to manage stress and anxiety. While I may not be a doctor, I know how good I feel when I‘m done, besides there are many health articles expounding these virtues.
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When we’re feeling down, it’s also really important to remember to focus on what we can control – you can control your responses to a situation, to conversations, to the food you put in your body and the way you carry yourself. A positive and healthy mindset will go a long way in elevating your mood and general outlook on life. Yoga for instance is a great exercise for the body and mind and meditating or just focusing on your breathing for a few minutes is very soothing.
Concentrating your resources to what’s really important will also help keep us in check this festive season. By that I mean your physical and mental resources – don’t expend what you don’t have. If you’re really having a bad day, allow yourself that day and move on tomorrow, it’s important to feel our feelings in order to pick ourselves up again. I find that journaling on a regular basis helps me to stay focused on the positive things in my life.
Sometimes when we’re going through a rough patch, we can be really hard on ourselves and mistake our negative feelings as signs of weakness – it’s not. Yes, we as South Africans are really resilient, but let’s remember that we’re not made of stone. It’s okay to not be okay. Tomorrow will be better.
Be kind this festive season, to yourself and to others and most importantly, enjoy this time with your significant other, your family and friends.
Wishing you only Good Things this festive season!
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