I’m choosing to ignore Autumn as usual!

Are you experiencing symptoms of the pandemic flux syndrome?

Just when we thought we would all feel relieved and happy as restrictions were being lifted and a return to normal was in view, some of us just want to hide under the duvet or escape from their life.

 According to Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist, the author of "Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges," and a faculty member in the Harvard Business School executive education program, and JillEllyn Riley, co-author of "The Confidence Code for Girls: Taking Risks, Messing Up & Becoming Your Amazingly Imperfect Totally Powerful Self”, “If you’re experiencing increased sadness or anxiety along with an urge to dramatically change something about your life — some of the markers of pandemic flux syndrome — be assured you’re not alone. Many people are feeling such tensions. Although human beings are more resilient than we generally appreciate, it will take time for many of us to stably recover, to reflect and recalibrate.”  (“Why this stage of the pandemic makes us so anxious -

Many of us are suffering from ‘pandemic flux syndrome’ by Amy Cuddy and JillEllyn Riley in The Washington Post, August 11, 2021)

The hope that we felt as millions of people were getting vaccinated and we could see a way out of the pandemic and restrictions, has been dashed by rising numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths due mainly to the Delta variant. This is yet another immense disappointment that makes us feel depressed or cynical. 

We are suffering from a “surge capacity” fatigue. The surge capacity is what gives us the mental and physical strength to get through stressful situations. As with any surge, we can only carry on for so long before we feel depleted and wiped out.

Furthermore, we hate that we fell victim yet again of our “affective forecasting errors”, a term coined by Harvard psychologist Dan Gilbert and University of Virginia psychologist Tim Wilson that define this tendency we have to make mistakes when we make previsions. We might have under-estimated how long it would take to return to normal or over-estimated the positive effects of mass vaccination. I know I did!

Then there are those who feel ashamed at the thought that a return to normal is not a happy one. Whether they liked the slower pace, the fewer social interactions, the walks in the middle of a remote work day, the end of stressful and costly commuting, more time with their family or pets, more agency over their time, they feel bad for liking something that has caused so much devastation. How can one admit that the pandemic was a good time without feeling shame and guilt?

Whether one suffers from anxiety and wants to seriously change their life, depression and want to shut the world off or anger at how slowly they are able to return to normal, most of us are exhausted by our emotions and many of us are looking for an escape.

Meanwhile life carries on with its usual lot of personal problems, you know, the ones life throws at us on a regular basis...

More than ever we need to use the tools that I have been talking about for years. These are the ones that keep me going:  

• Being in the present moment: when my thoughts and emotions threaten to run amok, I take a deep breath and remind myself that in this very moment, I am fine. I have survived 100% of my worst days so the odds are good and right now, I am alive and well even if problems look overwhelming. Solutions can be found.
• Gratitude: I start my day writing three things I am grateful for, even if it’s just “I am grateful for a new day”.
• Journalling: My journal is my confidante, my therapist, my shoulder to cry on and the place where I can dream. It saves my sanity on a regular basis.
• Creative time: Whether it is a writing project or playing with art supplies, I find great relief from pesky thoughts and emotions in being engaged in a creative activity. I might have to push myself to show up but it is always rewarding.
• Upbeat distractions: According to my mood, I will read a book, listen to an audio-book, listen to music or watch a cheerful programme. I carefully choose lighthearted entertainment to interrupt the undesirable thoughts and feelings and lift my mood but I have to be careful that this doen't become a way of numbing myself. There is a fine line!
• Media diet: I have been distancing myself from social media and the news media, reducing them to the bare minimum and it has created space in my mind and schedule which allows me to be myself more fully. 
• Interesting input: I read something interesting or inspiring for ten minutes in the morning. My mind likes reading new thoughts. 
• Sleeping: I try to have a good night rest which is not easy for me because I wake up super early no matter what time I go to sleep but I persist in trying, and when I can, I have a nap. Honouring the numbers of hours needed is essential to our self-care routine. 
• Routines: Talking about routines, I honestly think that they can save us from drifting into dark times by keeping us on track. I always get up early, have my shower, put light make up on, write in my gratitude journal, do my brain training, invite good things in my day, have my breakfast, journal, plan my day. In the evening, I do my skin care routine, take my evening tablets, read something lighthearted and drink my herb tea. Those bookends to my day, consistent times, day in, day out, bring comfort and satisfaction that keep me afloat no matter what happens in the world or in my life. Where people see this as discipline, I see it as a comfort blanket.
• Talking: I find it useful to be able to talk to someone about personal issues and have a different, more positive take on things. You might choose a spiritual guide, a therapist, a friend, a relative or a coach, but it is essential to have someone who has your back. A doctor might be a good place to start when one feels too overwhelmed and is not sure about what to do next.

If you are dreaming of escaping, why not indulge the thought? Even if it‘s not going to happen, dream away. Write it in your journal, clip pictures from magazines or catalogues. Have fun with it! Look at one element of your dream, could you implement it or include it in your life right now?

 

I found a video that describe my way of living: cottagecore. That’s my favourite look and lifestyle. What style fits your personality?
 

And if you have time, walk around this village in Provence. I spent a few days in the south of France in July and I miss it.