Amidst the pandemic, sometimes it feels like society says you should always be happy, and that showing your panic and stress are the signs of vulnerability, especially for a man. For most of us, lockdown is a mixed bag. On one side, we’re making the most of our situation by working out, and staying productive. Yet on the other side, there’s a paradox within the pandemic, knowing that, I personally, am having a hard time adjusting to the situation. Especially with the distressing news spreading around like wildfire, this is may not the perfect time to be calm and collected.
Not every day can be a workout day, though we know a home workout will straighten up our mood and help to make up for the fact that we are caged in our home. Post-lockdown bodies become trends among my closest circle, especially for the ladies. Boy, the pressure among them is tight. And for most of us, being productive is one among many other ways to tackle the boredom of social-distancing. Yet, after more than three weeks of isolation, productivity has shifted from being a solution to more of a source of stress.
So many of my friends are living in fear. I feel better today, cranked up by hopeful news. But my overall tendency has been dull. I have grieved over stories about the devastating economic impact. It’s all so much for me to take. And it affected my productivity.
Rest days are of the utmost importance right now
One of the most valuable things we can do during lockdown is to slow down and reflect. Not to be all mushy, but all of us need a little self-respect by having to pause and recharge. My partner calls it self love, but for me, rest and pausing are part of self-respect. And no one ever shouts it out loud, because we know that there are other people who have been in much worse conditions than we are currently in.
As for right now, I want to let myself grieve over what’s happening, to handle things imperfectly and to not knowing exactly what to do next. To not have anything remarkable to share to the world right now. And to be scared about my employees, if I’m not able to feed them and their families if the economy is not going to go back as it used to be. I overworked, and the result of my productivity has been not as good to me, au contraire to the initial plan.
But let’s remember that having an appreciation for our health or ourselves is the ultimate goal for when we finally get out of this. I am valuing myself, and I wish you can value your rest days as your form of self-respect. If you’re feeling like all of this is too much — rest assured, it is, and it is okay to feel that way.