My friend and mentor extraordinaire Jeffrey Davis recently wrote a terrific piece about emergency momentum. The idea being that when something major and upsetting and inserts itself into your life you still have to tend to some of your creative work, but it takes extra planning and focus, and understanding that some things will have to be prioritized over others.
Well, I find that in times of emergency it’s not just work and creativity that are harder to tend to. All of life, and especially health and mental wellness often take a hit. I have recently been through a time that felt this way, with upheaval in lots of arenas, and as we dive into holiday season, I realized it feels somewhat the same. This season of “joy” is so busy and stressful for so many that hordes of folks reach the new year feeling a general “ick,” potentially some self loathing and an overall lack of delectability.
Just like with housework and work work and creative work, self work or self care will need to shift a little during certain tougher times in life. You might have to drop the “extras”. Rather than gaining ground, you might just maintain a kind of base line. But if you have a good plan, this base line will be a great place to take off from once the clouds (or wrapping paper) lift.
So, consider this your first Emergency Delectable Measure and I’ll keep ‘em coming till I’m all out of ideas!
Tip #1: Be Nice to Yourself
It sounds simple I know, but you really have to start with this one or nothing else will help you in any way. Be nice to yourself! Mentally and physically. When stress is attacking you from the outside, it’s easy to add to it by berating yourself for what you’re not doing perfectly. Or by immediately reverting to old “comforting” food and activity patterns that are likely to make you feel worse than if it were just the outside factors attacking you.
JUST HIT THE STOP BUTTON. Remind yourself you’re doing the best you can. Remind yourself that life goes in phases and that this one too will end. Try to remember what delectability in mind and body feels like, in order to motivate yourself to hold on to some of your healthy habits. And, if all else fails, just forgive yourself and move on. Slept late and missed yoga? Ok, your muscles maybe needed a rest. Ate a whole plate of gingerbread men? One day won’t kill you. You can’t possibly do anything so bad in one day that can’t be fixed over time. Snapped at a friend/family member/customer service representative? Well, those pesky reps are annoying for sure, but with anyone else, just apologize, send them a fruit basket (or chocolates) and move on.
To sum up: life is hard. Try not to make it harder by being your own worst enemy. But when you do, a little self forgiveness goes a long way.
Too sappy for you? Me too, a little. A more nuts-and-bolts tip coming up next!
Happy Sunday!
Laura
