Sometimes I wonder if anyone is truly stress free. What would classify as a stressor for me may be an ideal interaction/moment/event for someone else. But with the current order of affairs I’d say it’s safe to assume a majority of people are currently stressed. How are you coping? Do your efforts to de-stress somedays feel futile?
I’m finding myself in this space more and more. Partly because we are getting closer and closer and partly because the city is reopening bars and not practicing social distancing so I’m internally freaking out they will push my date back again. I honestly don’t understand it, the CDC is warning about coming into the regular flu season along-side COVID so are we just setting ourselves up for a disaster?
With all these variables being completely out of my control it’s hard to not feel overwhelmed 24/7. Not at all a Type-A, perfectionist thing of me to say right? So how do I calm the F down?! Again, I can’t exercise myself into an injury – and I’ve been doing really good about not over doing it there so super proud of that one! And my weekend mornings include outdoor activities before the death of the heat, but it’s not enough. I recently started seeing an acupuncturist again, LOVE IT! I also have been getting vitamin IVs to keep my immune system strong and thriving as I prep for surgery. Both of these have been great but they do include a cost. For the most part, if it involves investing in my health/body I’m all for it, but at some point the financial stress/aspect can become counter-productive.
Now trying to figure out ways to destress that I can continue after surgery is another challenge. Without knowing the full scope of what my abilities/limitations will be after surgery it becomes a guessing game. I have been putting off watching movies and banking a good go-to list on my streaming accounts but let’s be honest, that recliner gonna get old real quick! Especially after those first couple days and the pain hopefully begins to lessen. I’m glad I have my arts and crafts area together but the more intensive projects brewing in my head will have to continue to wait for a bit.
Yoga I love but with no upper body training or putting my hands over my head for 5 months that may be difficult. Traditional meditation is not something I’ve been able to fall into, I've tried but what can I say it's not the right fit for me. My version of meditation has become dancing it out. Literally dance like no one is watching, and usually no one is, minus the cat. Recently I’ve come to realize the overall amazingness of my day is directly correlated to how much I dance around while I’m getting ready in the morning and throughout the day. How much will I be able to "dance it out" post-surgery? How long until it's something I can do comfortably?
I guess this will be a good measure of where I’m at with recovery. When I was going through my chronic back pain and adrenal issues I hadn’t danced to my music in the morning for years. Then one day I was again. That pure expression of joy through movement. I mean, my hips and legs will be working still right? Maybe I’ll just have baby T-Rex arm dance parties for a little bit. Cha-cha!