Five reasons surviving a pandemic is like surviving a newborn (and how parenting advice can help you cope).
1. They never arrive as planned so you end up browsing Amazon Prime at 3am to find new ‘useful’ things to get you through – Hello breadmaker/tandem bicycle/food dehydrator!
Parenting advice → ASK FOR HELP
If you’re struggling to get out (or get an online food delivery slot!) see if anyone you know can add some items to their food shop or do a supermarket run for you. You might be surprised to find that those around you are only too happy to be of any sort of help. Similarly, if you find yourself at the supermarket and know that your neighbour is shielding or stuck at home, consider dropping them a quick text to see if they need anything. Kindness improves your wellbeing when it’s given as well as received.
2. The initial shock and novelty of lounging around in your pajamas all day becomes old really fast, BUT just when you begin to forget what day it is they begin SLEEPING and you start to tentatively venture out into the world with sleepy squinty eyes.
Parenting advice → GET DRESSED FOR THE DAY
It may feel like an utter waste of time but there is evidence that ditching the lounge clothes for a ‘proper’ outfit has a beneficial impact on your mood, energy levels and productivity. I remember reading something a while back about dressing for the job you want to help you manifest it – why not try dressing for the day you want?
3. Actually going out seems like a fun idea but there’s a whole new way of doing it and you constantly feel on high alert.
Parenting advice → TALK TO YOUR SUPPORT NETWORK
If this crazy world scenario we are currently living is feeling like it’s all a bit much, talk to your friends, family or neighbours. Holding it in often only makes things feel worse and you may find that they needed a chat too – after all sometimes all we need is someone to say ‘me too!’. If you don’t have anyone to talk to, there are a number of resources available, for mums there are great apps such as Peanut, or there are a number of resources for anyone to access available at https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/ .
4. You forget how to dress or eat like a functioning adult, so exist in a wardrobe made up entirely of stretchy leggings with oversized jumpers (besides, none of your old clothes fit anymore), whilst living on a diet of cereal bars, toast and half drunk cups of cold tea.
Parenting advice → EAT FOR ENERGY, NOT COMFORT
As tempting as it is to exist on a diet of beige comfort food, it won’t do you any good, mentally or physically. Aim for a balanced diet of fruit, vegetables, protein and slow release carbohydrates to keep your energy reserves level throughout the day. If you’re unsure where to start try taking a look at https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/ . My favourite hack? The slow cooker!
5. Just when you get used to regularly leaving the house and seeing ACTUAL PEOPLE they hit a ‘regression’ and you find yourself imprisoned in your house again.
Parenting advice → FIND A NEW HOBBY
When we’re ‘stuck’ in one place physically it can be hard to stay active and entertained without simply resorting to on demand TV (obviously if this is all you have the energy for then Netflix is your oyster), but endless days on the sofa will not help you to feel well in the long term. Instead, if you don’t already have a hobby and exhausted all your DIY tasks last time, this might be the perfect moment to take one up. If you’re struggling for ideas, think back to what you loved as a child, could you engage in similar activities to bring some light-hearted joy into your days?
However you look at it, the COVID situation may not be ideal, but we can at least try to find the positives and the humour. I hope this has helped.
Stay safe.