This week’s letter is written by my friend, and fellow runner, Dan. Dan’s advice to deal with the pandemic boils down to: Take care of yourself and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
I met Dan a couple of years ago when we were both members of Team Awesome. This is the group of ambassadors/cheerleaders for the Run Ottawa Race Weekend. Dan is part of another one of my “pandemic support groups.” Thank goodness for technology so we can keep in touch with friends. Dan is an amazing guy. Driven, smart, sweet and an overall great guy. He’s faced some challenges in the last few years, and he’s not only met the challenges head-on, but he’s also risen above them. A true inspiration. Want to see for yourself? Follow him on Instagram or Twitter.
Here is Dan’s letter to his pre-pandemic self:
Dan
2020 is going to be quite the experience. I write you this letter to reflect on life as it is.
Pandemic…what does it really mean to us?
- “Wear a Mask!”
- “Don’t touch your face!”
- “Cover your mouth!”
- “Wash your hands!”
- “We are in this together!”
- ”Flatten/Plank the curve!”
- ”Keep 2 meters away from others!”
You know these sayings. But do you really understand why we’re doing this? Did you ever ask yourself before you were set back to March 2020 “what do I do?”
When word got out that you needed to be in lockdown, did you have a plan? You probably had no time to say “goodbye” to your friends or even take home any assignments/homework. Remote telework/learning was something you took for granted. Being a civil servant, you were able to access resources like that.
Today is November 19th It’s approximately 250 days since March 13th when the lockdown started and you were given next to no time to prepare for the pandemic.
I honestly wasn’t sure if I could prepare for this. The first couple of weeks it was nice to not be around my coworkers. It was like a vacation, but as the weeks wore on it was a lot harder without the social interaction. Could I change something here? Really hard to say. It’s a tough adjustment to shift not being able to collaborate with colleagues when you can walk across the floor to the other cubicle or if you’re in one of those workplaces where you’re literally shouting over the walls.
One day at a time
I’m really digressing the question my friend asked me when she asked me to write this letter; but honestly, you have to take it one day at a time. During the pandemic, days turn into weeks and weeks turn into months. You’ll be under a lot of stress, especially mental stress when you feel isolated. You’re lucky to be a runner, and that during the offseason you started cycling. Your indoor trainer and treadmill will come in handy as you look for ways to break up your day.
Sometimes even that isn’t enough. As the workload adjusts to the pandemic, work/life balance will suffer. So I highly recommend you take breaks. Block off the time if you have to, but give yourself time to get your mind onto something even if it’s a workout on Youtube or just following a virtual ride on the computer.
So much at home time
Being at home with family…ALL THE TIME! That is different. Pandemic birthdays were special in a way that was better than going to a restaurant. So it will be nice to celebrate and do things that you don’t normally do. The wonders of technology where you can binge-watch a show as a family will bring the family together to just spend time being together. Someday you will miss that. Don’t squander that time.
Having to be selective when it comes to friends in a social circle…that is never easy. Adults, I think, find it easier but as a teenager that is their life…unless you’re introverted, the pandemic was a blessing. So be mindful of those you know are introverted as they may need the space. Be sure to check on your friends even if it’s just a hello. It’s always the ones you least expect that would appreciate the shout-out.
Take care of you
The best advice is to just be yourself and take care of you. You know what is right for you and don’t be afraid to look or ask for help. There is a saying: it’s ok to be not ok. That is one thing that will always be true. When it comes to your mental health, you need to put yourself first. If you need help, as sometimes your mental health can develop into an illness like anxiety or depression, don’t be afraid to come out of your own shell and get the diagnosis. Ask for help. Even if you’re thinking it doesn’t look or feel right, you’ve made the right decision to get help for yourself.
