Designer at Home Video Series: Shaking Those 2nd Wave Blues
It's almost November and many of us are starting to feel the cumulative effects of this trying year and further restrictions being imposed. I thought I would share some ideas about about how we could pick ourselves up a bit and what's helping me feel better. Watch the video below or scroll down to read the transcript.
Hi everyone. Can you believe there only about 2 months left in the year? Time has flown by as the world has been seemingly jumping from one crisis to the next, I think many of us are feeling definite Covid fatigue and it’s having an impact on our well-being, motivation and mental health.
Obviously I am very grateful that my family and friends, especially those who are front line workers are healthy, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t all starting to get a case of the second wave blues. I started to think, what can we do to pick ourselves up and maybe shake off these feelings as we head into the end of the year. So here are a few suggestions that I am trying:
Idea #1: Be Proud of What You Have Achieved
These past 7-8 months have not been easy for any of us both on a personal level and a work level. Take time to slow down and be proud of what you have been able to achieve. Maybe you took this time to learn a new language, or managed to home school your children. But they don’t have to be big things either, maybe you have been cooking more or you just found some time to slow down and take care of yourself.
Personally, I am proud of my newfound exercise regime – I have been going through each INSANITY workout program over the past 8 months, which has been a definite test of motivation. I will finally finish the last of four programs next week.
On the business side, I have taken this time to focus on the amazing community of supporters that I have been lucky enough to build. I have written two quarterly magazines so far - the last one which just came out two weeks ago. They cover so many of my interests from fashion and work to travel and books. And this last issue even had a look behind the scenes of how I developed my latest candle project. If you haven’t subscribed to our mailing list yet, you can do so now to get a link to the latest magazine. And I already have some great ideas for January’s issue, which leads me to my next tip…
Idea #2: Find Things to Look Forward To
This has been an especially difficult one for me as I like to plan. I can handle stress and hard work as long as I know what is coming. In this period of uncertainty though, what can we plan for. I have a birthday coming up and my partner has a big birthday to celebrate as well. It is also very unlikely that I will be seeing my family in the States for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year.
I think that we have to do the best we can and be content that just because things will be different and not ideal this year, doesn’t mean we can’t still find joy in small places. Are you getting dressed up for a zoom Halloween next week? Are you looking forward to the leaves changing colour and going on a park walk. Are you anticipating the cheerful holiday music on the radio or the heart-warming classic movies that you can watch remotely with people you care about.
On my side, I have a Halloween pumpkin waiting to be carved and a new craft project that I hope will be done in time for Christmas gifting. This is normally my favourite time of year and I am already making a list of movie box sets that I will be watching each day in December – I’m thinking I might make a Lord of the Rings marathon a Christmas tradition from now on – the extended versions obviously.
For work, I am very much looking forward to the launch of my first capsule candle line. I have dedicated so much time to learning how to make and develop these candles. I have poured my own personal memories into making these bespoke fragrances and can’t wait to see what you all think. I am also looking forward to the new year, writing the next issue of our quarterly magazine and also getting back to the handbag samples that are waiting in Italy for the Spring.
Idea #3: Share your feelings
Now more than ever, so many of us are having the same feelings and this is no time to keep them bottled up. Reach out to a friend or family member or a professional if you need someone to talk to. I know that many of my conversations with friends these days start with “I’m having a blah day” or “I can’t seem to get motivated.”
I also made some volunteer phone calls to keep in touch with the elderly at risk in my area and one woman said that she really appreciated all the phone calls and people checking in on her. Sometimes all it takes to make you feel better is one person to say – how are you? I feel the same way, why don’t you tell me about it.
So those are my three suggestions of trying to shake-off the 2nd wave blues going into the end of the year. Thanks for watching and feel free to reach out or comment and let me know how you’re getting on and what’s been helping you!