A psychologist's friendly reminder of the little things we can do to be okay in difficult times - ABC Everyday

There’s been a lot recently, hasn’t it?

Another COVID-19 spike, a terrible flu season, floods in New South Wales, monkeypox, the ongoing war in Ukraine, the overthrow of Roe v Wade in the United States, soaring cost of living.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and closed off, you’re not alone. I’ve spent the last few weeks lying on the couch unconscious after work, wreaking havoc. I feel anxious, apathetic, lonely and sad.

I had hoped it would be a good year with more certainty, but in the middle of the year I found myself in a space that was just as restless as the last two years, but with less expectations and more cognitive fatigue to boot.

When things get so tough and we start to realize that maybe the world as we know it has shifted, we have to give ourselves time to adjust to the new realities and build the skills we need to adapt.

Meanwhile, it’s very easy to forget the little things we need to do to be okay, or to remember why we do these things.

Here are some simple things you can do to manage life in these difficult times, and why these small steps are so important.

Psychologist Ahona Guha says in difficult times, it’s easy to forget the little things we need to do to be okay and why they matter.(provided)

Keep moving your body

Exercise is a powerful mood lifter because it releases endorphins. It can also help create social connections (think group class) and get us off our couches and phones.

Being outdoors during the day can also increase your vitamin D intake during winter, when we are often exposed to less natural light.

Exercise can seem like riding a bicycle or going for a walk with friends.

Take your lunch break (or even the whole day)

Rest for your brain is essential, whether it’s in the form of a 30-minute walk and chat between tasks, or a planned day off.

If you give yourself a whole day, use it well. Be mindful of your breaks and create a guilt-free zone.

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