Tough times during COVID19 ISO

Hey its been awhile.

I created this blog to try help people recover eating disorders or even give some motivation to try to fight any other kind of mental illnesses, but recently I've been struggling quite a bit with the whole isolation thing and don't want to be hypocritical. During a time where you aren't doing much, it can be a positive thing or a negative thing. It gives you a lot of time to think and try to work on yourself. For those in recovery now or who have recovered an eating disorder, it's important to remind yourself how far you've come and to keep it up cause you definitely don't want to go back there. Personally, my body dysmorphia as been horrific causing my anxiety and depression to increase. Okay well, I really can't write properly right now as my mind is all over the show, so please excuse this layout. Basically, that was my shitty introduction to this post and probably has no relevance to what I'm about to say next. So I'm gonna write a bunch of random things in bullet points.

• As mentioned above during this global pandemic it can be hard to remain positive and can be quite a triggering. It's important to remember there is always a light at the end of the tunnel (yes I know that's cheesy) But I feel like its relevant.

• Doing stuff you enjoy or even going for a walk is a good way to help clear your head and distract yourself. Today I was an absolute wreck and when I get in those mindsets I often lose motivation to do anything and feel extreme lack of energy but was forced to go on a walk. Despite not wanting to it actually did make me feel a lot better. So, you never know might work for you as well.

• Losing weight doesn't always lead to happiness. As much as you think changing the way you look will make you happy, it's a temporary remedy. You're better finding happiness another way. Such as a hobby, a job, exploring (within Covid 19 regulations of course) or learning something new.

• Don't by whatever means feel guilty for not doing anything during this time. Just because people say you should use this time to learn a new skill or language or whatever else people suggest, doesn't mean you should feel bad for not. This time should be used to rest as well.

• You could direct your focus on making goals, for when iso is over. This can often be a good distraction and help get you motivated for what is yet to come. As if you want something bad enough you can definitely do it, although some things take a lot longer than others and will have a lot of setbacks. So it's up to you to continue pushing along.

• But if you can't think of any goals right now as your thoughts are clouded that's okay, you can start with small goals such as making your bed or putting on clothes other than PJs if that makes you feel more motivated and productive.

Basically, to conclude this, whatever it is, try to make the best of a non-ideal situation and you are not alone if you are feeling down or struggling. It is okay to not feel okay. Reach out to friends, family, those within your bubble or even helplines if that would help. I'm feeling like concluding this with a cheesy quote so enjoy :)

"The true definition of mental illness is when the majority of your time is spent in the past or future, but rarely living in the realism of NOW.”

― Shannon L. Alder