The days feel heavy right now.
On a literal level, it’s hot, humid and I can’t go outside without getting a mosquito bite (the mosquito thing is mostly a joke but if they love you like they love me, you get it!).
On a mental level, it’s a lot to absorb everything going on in our world between the resurgence of COVID, what’s happening in Afghanistan and the recent earthquake in Haiti.
And energetically, it’s difficult to watch how people are interacting with each other online about basically everything. The internet has always been strange place in some corners and trolls have always existed but it feels like since the start of COVID, there’s been an escalation of divisiveness. Just when I think it’s reached its peak, it seems to get worse. To be honest, I don’t love social media (or the news) right now.
Here are a few ways that I’ve been coping and taking care of myself lately when I feel overwhelm and fatigue creeping in:
- Reading more fiction. I am just finishing up Malibu Rising and have really enjoyed it.
- Not putting pressure on myself to post on my blog or social media when I’m not feeling it. I’ve temporarily shifted my primary focus to teaching and upcoming yoga teacher trainings.
- Spending more time in my New York Times Crossword Puzzle app doing word games and crosswords than scrolling through Instagram.
- More rest and taking breaks from working out when I am low-energy.
- Cooking favorite summer recipes and trying new ones. Spending time in the kitchen being creative instead of behind a screen. Opening cookbooks and paging through magazines.
- Teaching more yoga and fitness classes. I’ve been subbing a ton lately in addition to my regular classes because it feels really good to have that in-person connection and know that I’m helping others to feel better.
- Lots of QT with Finn.
I wish I could add getting together with my friends to the list but I haven’t been the best about that these last few weeks. We have been checking in through texts and phone calls but I definitely need some face-to-face time very soon.
Here are just a few photos to share of life the past few days with my crew.
Days and days of afternoon rain and thunderstorms = my grass needs to be mowed like WHOA and letting Finn play in the rain. He was so funny this day…he insisted that he needed his rain boots or he would get “so wet.” As soon as he had them on he ran around in the rain like crazy and sat in a puddle. He dumped water out of his rain boots when he took them off, haha.
Walks with the puppies. They’ve been extra sweet lately.
Post-teaching three insanely sweaty classes. This is my signature yoga hairstyle. (I know, it’s not my best look but the best way to get my hair totally out of my face and off my neck!)
I love everything about this photo. I laughed out loud when I walked in my room to find Finn like this last night. The crossed leg, the Paw Patrol blanket, the two Mickeys…it’s perfect.
I didn’t sign on to write a downer post today but you know…life is peaks, valleys and a lot of mundane in-between. I am solidly okay right now. Not amazing but able to enjoy moments of ease and joy and feeling very grateful for my health, my family and friends, my work and my freedom.
And with that, I’m off to the studio to teach another class. I’ve got 10 on my schedule for the week.
How are you? What are some ways that you are taking care of yourself right now? <3
I relate to all of this very much. Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing the real life.
Thanks for sharing such a REAL post. Every day is not “blog post perfect.” It can just be. Social media is a scary place to be right now. Thanks for sharing sweet moments <3
hi Jen. Yes, I totally relate to your feelings. There are very overwhelming events in our world right now.
Thank you so much for this post!! This was exactly what I needed today. I’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately and it feels good to see that it’s okay to feel that way in print. I think we know intellectually that what we’re all feeling is normal given the situations at hand but, I at least, keep trudging forward as though everything is fine. Meanwhile I’m on the verge of tears at some point every day lately. So thank you, again : )
Have you read That Summer yet? The new Jennifer wiener book? I’m enjoying it to unwind and I’m really liking it!!
Everybody has bad days Jen. Just keep on staying positive and healthy with your adorable son Finn and puppy dogs!
Baking new recipes and my fav ones makes me happy too!
Thank you for sharing, Jen. I have also found myself spending very little time on social media these days and it has been so much better for my mental health. Running has always been a stress reliever for me but recently I’ve found myself feeling more drained so I’ve been running less and instead enjoying Pilates, yoga, and dog walks. I live in the south as well so I’m really looking forward to fall these days!
I so needed this post. I’ve been feeling extra blah. I lost my mom in June and some days are just so heavy. Thanks for sharing. ?
I’m so sorry for your loss, Katie. Your mention of heavy days resonated with me. Sending you a big hug and support during this time of grieving.
I am feeling the weight of the world as well. Just as you mentioned, with all that’s going on between the wicked weather across the globe, Afghanistan, Haiti…it’s so much to process.
I’ve been turning more to books and puzzles as a way to try and rest my brain. Reaching out to friends has been hard for me as well, but when I do, I feel better (but that first step is hard…I tend to retreat when I’m sad or anxious).
I’m so happy you have Finn there to bring smiles to your face, as well as in-person yoga classes. Hang in there! You’re doing a great job!
I think we are all feeling heavy these days, or the majority of people? It’s hard not to with everything going on in the world. We were on vacation at my parents lake home last week Wed-Sat. The TV was never on while we were there so I was completely unaware of the news. There is privilege in being able to disconnect from the news but it’s really necessary for my mental health. I was also not on social media much as I wanted to focus on enjoying family time. In general, I limit myself to 20 minutes between FB and IG, and I take a break from the aps a couple of times a year for 4-6 week stretches which is always good for me. I know that’s not possible for some who rely on social media for their careers but I am glad it’s just a hobby for me. I question whether I should just give it up completely but I would miss seeing pictures of friends and family.
I’ve been taking care of myself by getting enough sleep, reading (also just finished Malibu Rising and really enjoyed it!), running 3 times/week, and limiting my news consumption! I also love doing puzzles on my phone. I can’t have an actual puzzle going in our house w/ a 3yo who gets into everything so doing puzzles through an ap on my phone is a good substitution!
Thank you for writing what I feel. It is reassuring to know other people feel the same. Let us all find peace.
Thank you so much for this post Jen! I didn’t realize how much I needed to read that until I did! I have felt so out of sorts lately, and have not been close to my best self. Immense pressure from work (I’m a teacher), low energy, and just feeling blah. Reading this post reminds me of all the things I have let slide (too much social media, and not nearly enough sleep). Thank you for sharing this and reminding all of us to pause!
I feel you on this Jen. Thank you for making me feel less alone in the heaviness ?