I’m back!.. again. We’ll see how long it lasts.
I can’t quite believe it’s 2021. First and foremost, we made it! Just saying that makes me think that there were a lot of people who didn’t make it. Whether that’s COVID related or otherwise, last year was a tough year. A really tough year for a multitude of reasons.
2020
Somehow 2020 simultaneously felt like forever and yet the year flew past. I’m sure a lot of people left 2020 feeling relief at the thought of a new year. Although that does not erase the events of last year, nor does it mean 2021 will be better, I understand the feeling completely.
I think there are some positives to take into 2021. For example the vaccinations. Although many fear them, we finally have something to combat the virus. It’s a light at the end of this seemingly endless tunnel. It gives the world a little hope.
Another positive is that, while many are in lockdown again (I speak of the UK specifically, because that’s where I’m based), it’s no longer a surprise. While we may not know exactly what will happen in the immediate future, we now know how to plan and prepare. If you now work from home, hopefully you have some sort of routine to follow. We know how to try and protect ourselves to the best of our abilities. It will not necessarily be easier than last time. Businesses will once again close, people will be furloughed. I’m in a fortunate position where I have been working from home since March of 2020. I know that for many the inconsistency of routines and potential income has been detrimental to parts of their lives and I hope they are receiving help with finances, and for any subsequent changes in their mental health.
2021
Looking forward to a new year always brings with it a feeling of renewal for me.
I had so many goals and ideas for 2021, starting with January however, shortly before Christmas I got COVID. Not quite what I wanted, I must say however, I tested positive around mid-December nonetheless.
While it hasn’t been a pleasant experience, so far I am somewhat grateful for the fact that it felt more like a cold. I know that for a lot of people, it was much worse. I was banished to my room and waited on hand and foot – this so that I didn’t have any need to go downstairs and interact with my non-infected family or appliances. I’m out of the infectious / quarantine period now. I still have a slight cough, the fierceness of which seems to change day-to-day.
The fatigue though, that’s the main issue. My energy is zapped frequently, from tasks as “strenuous” as taking a Christmas tree upstairs and mundane as taking a shower. That’s when I decided to have a low-key, low pressure January.
Goals
Everyone wants to start the year off with a bang. Every year I aim to do this too however, like clockwork, a few months in I burn myself out.
With all this in mind, my main goals for January are as follows:
★ Rest
★ Stay hydrated
★ See how you feel on the day
The last one is in regards to my to-do list. I have work during the week, which is where I use most of my energy. Work are lovely and understand that I’m not quite 100% however, I still aim for quality and consistency.
Outside of work, I’m happy to say that I am keeping on top of my to-do list however, there are moments where I’ve gotten disorientated and need to rest.
“See how I feel on the day” sounds almost like a ‘get out of jail free card’, and that’s because it is exactly a get out of jail free card. It’s a reminder that if I’m feeling dizzy or disorientated, if I’m feeling tired or breathless then I should remember that nothing is more important than recovery.
For some it might depend on the task. What I mean is, if I’ve said I’m going to tidy the dining room or go on the treadmill for half an hour, and I don’t feel up to it, then I won’t berate myself if I decide to move the task to another day.
Looking Ahead
I haven’t decided how long I will continue this in 2021 however, I’ve almost found myself doing more. This mainly involves writing to be completely honest, but I’ve enjoyed it nonetheless.
I don’t know what 2021 will bring, whether life will return to social normality or if we will spend the majority in our homes, but I do know I want to try and bring peace to my life this year. That feels like a lot to ask right now, but heading into the year with the expectation that I will be kind to myself, and do what is best for myself in the moment, seems like a good place to start.
