Blog #4 - Mental Health Awareness Week May 2020 - Who expected to run a Marathon?

Through a number of groups, we work with, friends and family, I know many people are finding this covid19 lifestyle extremely hard. Whether you are shielding at home, furloughed, working full time or part time, one of our ‘keyworkers’ or other it is tough. You could be part of a large family unit or on you own, this covid19 lockdown will affect us all to caring degrees and in many different ways.

Some are absolutely hating it and others are seeming to thrive. But one thing is for sure, everyone is affected and has had their daily routine, meaning and purpose disrupted.

Just like running a marathon, many of us will hit the wall; where we think we can run no more. But just like a marathon - if we keep going and push through; the tough time we are experiencing, will pass. We will then get our ‘second wind’ and we can race on. This may happen several times during this lock-down and beyond. But each time, we need to tell ourselves, “ This will pass ” and " I will get through this ", I will finish the race and be proud.

More than ever, during this time we need to look after ourselves and employ coping strategies to enable ourselves to continue this race. (see Blog #3 - H.O.P.E. )

Today I want to talk about meaning, purpose….. and affirmation .

A common symptom of poor mental health is the absence of meaning and purpose in someone’s life. Some say it’s the other way round - the absence of meaning and purpose can lead to mental ill-health.

For most of us, a sense of purpose gives meaning to life – it motivates us to plan ahead and helps us find meaning and value. It increases our self-worth and positive self-image.

Finding meaning and purpose in life is recognised as a ‘protective factor’ to poor mental health. When we find meaning and purpose, we find HOPE (see Blog #3 - H.O.P.E. ) and when we find hope, we find peace, joy and calm….. and love - that may have faded away or been pushed to one side, makes an appearance again - that’s including loving yourself! We also experience patience, kindness and compassion for others. And begin to feel secure, composed and in control.

This can be especially true in suffering - Right now, during this Covid19 lockdown, we are suffering. Whether that is losing a loved one (See Blog #2 - Grief & Loss ), losing your job, a partner or just our liberty, to step out our front door and go somewhere; we are all suffering, and need to find meaning and purpose.

That’s why during this lockdown, so many are getting involved in the community and supporting the vulnerable with shopping and picking up prescriptions, or making scrubs for the NHS, creating music groups online, offering tutoring and education to our children and young people, or just looking out for our neighbours. All this is providing meaning and purpose.

However, meaning and purpose without affirmation can feel empty. Don't get me wrong here, I not saying we are doing these things to get recognition. Some acknowledgement o affirmation you are doing a good job is what all humans require. I’m not talking about an award or honour (although these are good and healthy too at the right time); I’m talking about a pat on the back, a nod of the head, a simple thank you or just "you're doing a great job”, all help with human connection and self-worth.

During this lockdown and the months ahead, we need to find meaning and purpose and affirmation in our everyday lives.

Here are 7 factors I have found that promote meaning and purpose in life:

1. Relationships .
   Try and make sure value and preserve relationships with those close to you.
   
   
2. Physically.
   Taking care of your body whilst using stress-reduction techniques and building mental resilience is not only good for us physically, it is good for our mental health too.
   
   
3. Surround Yourself with Positive People .
   This is not always possible during lockdown. However, although not ideal, it can be done over the internet, and by listening to positive messages, talks and blogs etc.
   
   
4. Strike up conversations with 'new' people.
   I have noticed during the lockdown, how people are more likely to say hello as they pass you in the street or want to start a conversation whilst waiting on the shopping queue.
   
   Resist the urge to get on your phone or social media when you are out and about. Instead, take the time to talk to the people around you. You might discover new activities or places to visit or things going on in your community. And those activities might be key to helping you find your meaning and purpose.
   
   
5. Belonging, recognition and affirmation.
   Being part of something where we feel valued, appreciated and validated. Get involved in your local community - volunteer with a youth club, food bank, sports club, church group etc. These all being meaning and purpose into our lives.
   Helping others is not only good for our mental health and well-being, it cultivates meaning, purpose and affirmation.
   
   
6. Activities & Passions.
   Do things that make us feel good – What gets you exited, what are the passions in your life, what have you always wanted to do? hobbies, interests and spending time with family and friends. Find a goal.
   
   
7. Spirituality .
   Find a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves, through nature, prayer, meditation, and reflection. This can be through a local church or group or on your own. It has been well documented, that connecting with others with a similar belief is great for our well-being.

If you are wanting to know more about this or explore what this means to you, please get in touch. Talking with a qualified councillor or coach can help you discover your passions to develop an effective plan to find meaning and purpose. Although this can also be achieved to a certain extent with a trusted friend or family member.

So, I want to challenge you today, to find your passion.
You are significant.
We are all in the marathon together, try and employee the skills above and see how having meaning, purpose and affirmation can transform your life.

Thank you for reading. Please look out for future BLOGS and articles from Cedar Tree Mental Health & Well-being.

www.cedartree-mhw.co.uk #cedartreemhw

You can find the other Blogs in this series below (Mental Health Awareness Week - May 2020)
 

1. Blog #1 - Mental Health Awareness Week May 2020 - Intro
2. Blog #2 - Mental Health Awareness Week May 2020 - Grief & Loss
3. Blog #3 - Mental Health Awareness Week May 2020 - H ope
4. Blog #4 - Mental Health Awareness Week May 2020 - Marathon
5. Blog #5   - Mental Health Awareness Week May 2020 - Living with Parkinson’s