“Distraction is key when everything feels overwhelming.” Discover 5 ways Sarah Alexander-Georgeson likes to keep herself busy when ill or feeling down.
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It’s a complicated, scary and anxious time right now. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, it seems like the whole world has turned upside down, with wars, climate change, and political parties fighting each other for the top spot.
On top of that, I live with several chronic illnesses that often keep me indoors. Of course, I go outside as often as I can, with the help of my boyfriend and special power-chair.
But, sometimes, the need to rest and recover means I can’t explore the outside world as often as I’d like.
During these times, I often rely on social media to keep in contact with others and see what's happening. I also watch the news on TV, and generally see many articles, videos, comments, and "hot takes" pop up in my online algorithms.
Not going out during flare-ups or recovery periods is not much of an issue for me. Frequent flares over the years often mean I can't leave the house for weeks (if not months) at a time.
But with so much information everywhere, and as someone who also lives with anxiety and depression, negative news overload can take its toll on me.
I work from home, spending most of my time in my bungalow with my boyfriend and dogs. I've been living with chronic pain for over twenty years, so I'm used to it. Still, I sometimes feel trapped between knowing both too little and too much about the outside world (in my personal bubble and the world at large).
Does that make sense?
Anxiety can make it difficult to switch off
I'm struggling to sleep because when the lights go out, and I feel like I want to enter the land of nod, my mind goes into overdrive, and I can't switch it off. I'm worried for myself. I'm concerned about my boyfriend, family, and friends… everyone.
And, when I’m having a flare or recovering, sometimes I want to push through and go about life as usual. But, sadly, I’m immunocompromised. When I catch any virus, I can't fight it, and it can turn into an infection that makes me really sick.
I'm battling a chest infection I have had for two months from contracting a virus. I'm anxious that it'll win if I catch the flu or (especially) coronavirus on top of it.
That’s the reality for a lot of vulnerable elderly and disabled people. We’re still at risk, even from every winter worries like influenza.
When I fall asleep, I dream about the coronavirus, other illnesses, or the state of the world in general. Every night this week, a fetid mixture of these things has haunted my nightmares, and I've woken up sweating, scared and feeling broken. These days I’m exhausted because my dreams have consumed me, and my mind hasn’t had the chance to shut off.
Finding new ways to distract myself
Right now, I can’t bring myself to log in to any of my social media accounts for fear of being bombarded with bad news, scaremongering and panic. So, I've had to find alternative ways to distract myself and allow my mind to focus on far less disturbing things.
Some saviours during this time have been:
1. FaceTime and video chat
I use FaceTime a lot anyway, but it's a lifesaver during isolation due to illness or recovery. My family all live three hours away, and I use it to speak to my mum and brother daily. But during recovery periods, I talk to them a lot more.
I can also chat with my nephew more when he is off school. During half-term at his school, we played Monopoly over video chat (although I'm not sure I trusted him with my money!). I also help him with his schoolwork, and we play online games together.
Many of my friends are still working from home or have more flexible work schedules. This gives me an excellent opportunity to catch up with them too. It's nice to talk and see their faces, which boosts my mood. It breaks up the day and is always fun.
2. Writing
What a shocker – a writer who likes writing! Writing has always saved me. It transports me to a different place and helps me focus on something else. Maybe by this time next year, I'll have written a book?
3. Colouring and crafting
Due to my arthritic hands, I can't do much of this, but I find colouring with felt-tip pens relaxing. Pens are also much more manageable than pencils as they don't require a lot of pressure.
Crafting is a great way to entertain kids, so my nephew and I enjoy colouring together.
4. Dance breaks
When I helped with schooling my nephew during COVID-19, he was prone to getting bored. So, every so often, I shouted, “Dance break!” and we’d both have a little wiggle, which always made me laugh.
Recently, I’ve been doing that during the day on my own. It sounds silly, but it refocuses my mind, and I can laugh at myself.
5. Exercising and stretching
Due to my conditions, I can’t do any strenuous exercise. But stretching and changing my posture is a great way to ease tension.
It also means I have some control over my body, which gives me control over my mind.
The takeaway
When you’re in the midst of a flare, recovery period, or feeling down, there are so many things you can do to occupy yourself. Even if it is just staying in bed and listening to podcasts (like I have done for the last few days).
You don’t have to be productive. You don’t have to feel like you need to be doing something every day if you're incapable or don’t feel like it.
However, if you are struggling with your mental health, I highly recommend finding a few ways to distract yourself (as well as seeking professional advice). Distraction is key when everything feels overwhelming – sometimes, we have to switch off!
NPS-IE-NP-00563 November 2022