I’m writing this blog post today, extraordinarily frustrated and upset. Everything is going wrong the last few months. My house is still a mess due to building work that is going on for three months now; builders stopped and started, and the job still is not finished. And because I find it very difficult to work with distractions and work from home, I haven’t been sticking to my schedule, and I have been putting a lot of my commitments on hold till things steel, which has been quite a mistake.
I have not made any videos for YouTube for a little while. So, this morning I decided to bite the bullet, breathe deeply, and make a video for my YouTube channel. I duly did my hair and makeup to make myself look half decent for the camera, and then I set up the camera and sat at my computer to record it from there.
Then, about two minutes into the recording, my computer completely crashed and then it took me over an hour to try to recover it and get on with my day. So I’ve given up now trying to make a video this morning but will try again later in the afternoon.
Distractions put a spanner in the works, and it’s challenging to overcome them to get on with my routine. But, as you know, I practice meditation, prayer and mindfulness and find that between God and psychological therapy helps to get me through life’s obstacles.
I don’t know if you can relate to this but, I’ve really changed since the pandemic the lockdowns. The isolation has affected me more than I ever imagined psychologically.
Living alone and not seeing anybody for five weeks at a stretch can be tricky and almost feels like a jail sentence. I’ve tried to be productive by setting up a website, started a YouTube channel, wrote, and published two books, not to mention all the learning I have done about working online. I also started writing a course that will be out at the end of July, and I still have worked at my ministry in coaching online and by phone, but it’s still not the same as seeing people face-to-face.
And of course, I conducted many funerals, which led me to see people, but there was no real conversation because we couldn’t really socialise. It’s not exactly a happy occasion where people can engage in small talk. I supported people with words of encouragement and compassion, and in those circumstances, I give it my all people feel comfortable and supported. But this has left me quite feeling even more isolated and drained.
I wrote a blog post a while ago about burnout because I realised how burnt out I really was. Part of my burnout was because of my terrible reactions to the COVID19 vaccination. It was impossible to see a doctor for the best part of a year. I just could not get an appointment as all consultancy was only over the phone. Then, when I had my second vaccination, I was told that I had such a strong reaction to the first jab because my immune system is so robust that it reacted against the vaccination. My immune system tried to fight it, creating its own antibodies – which vaccinations are supposed to do.
The vaccination did its work in the long run, but the side effects left me feeling rather tired, with a huge rash and feeling quite unwell. This has been made worse by the building work going on in my house. It has been challenging to cope with, distracting me from getting on with work.
I am positive that I don’t cope as well now I’m older. This is quite true physically, and psychologically it is an actual thing- because of the lack of production of hormones which helps one cope with the stresses and strains of life.
As an older woman, I have less production of the female hormone that helps with stress. So, now it is more of a struggle to get through difficulties. So, I can’t blame it all on me not being able to cope. I thought perhaps I should buy oestrogen tablets, so I went online, and they actually cost a bomb – more than I can afford. So, I am learning to work around and through these distractions the best I can.
If I plan my day using an hour by the hour system, and if I stick to that plan, I can cope and work through my responsibilities a lot better. I don’t know how you feel about it, but I have found that It is difficult working from home full time. It’s a temptation to take an extended lunchtime or coffee time and end up sleeping in on the couch. And before you know it, a whole afternoon is gone! But if I have a firm plan with goals to reach projects to fulfil, I can be more mindful of my approach to my day. I’m also more prayerful because I can invite God into every moment to strengthen and guide me through the day. The only problem is planning so tightly that it must be flexible to allow for distractions like I have experienced today. As I write, I am over 2 hours behind my schedule. Does this matter? Or does it only matter if I allow it to matter? If I worry about it and fret about it, I am not mindful, but I am setting myself up for burnout.
If I let any worry go and work steadily through my schedule the best, I am sure I will come out with a better attitude, more robust mental health, and a smile on my face. Furthermore, if I congratulate myself at the end of every day for my accomplishments even though I did not complete my to-do list, it will help me focus on living in the moment.
I am very excited about launching my course, The Mindfulness Stress Relief Master Class, on July 30, 2021. It’s just not for the over 50s, but it will be helpful for anybody who wants to understand what mindfulness is and how it can be integrated into their daily living.
For me, it is essential to understand how stuff works, and then I can work with knowledge, understanding and commitment. That is why in this course, I explain the history in the background of mindfulness and the scientific research to back it up. This will help you be confident that what you are doing is not a flash in the pan – a popular therapy method, but rather a scientifically proven method of living that has proven itself to work over a long history.
If you wish to be updated regularly about this course and its launch at the end of July, please follow this blog, subscribe.
I hope this rant of a blog post is helpful to you, but I want you to know that we’re all on this journey together, and nothing in life is perfect. However, if we live our lives in hope, faith and love in the strength of God, life is indeed worth living and worth sharing with others.
If you feel stressed or are a hyper-focused, motivated achiever, then I know you can successfully apply yourself to create a better balance in your life with Mindfulness. At times, life sucks and isn’t fair or kind. However, there is hope on the horizon. Mindfulness is a beautiful tool to help you to succeed on your journey. However, to live mindfully, you must develop what I call- Well-Habits.
Love & Grace
Paula Rose Parish IHS
For more articles, visit Your Wellness Matters at www.paularoseparish.com. And if this article has helped you in a small way, please like it and comment.
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I have worked internationally with over 40 years of experience, having a Bachelor of Pastoral Counselling and Theology and a Master of Arts in Counselling & Professional Development. BACP Life Coaching Certificate. I currently work as a Christian educator, blogger, author, and grandmother living with my two dogs in Wales, UK.
If you wish to connect with me, please do so at paularoseparish@gmail.com
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📚Psalm 23 Unwrapped: Hope in Difficult Times.
