So after almost two years since the whole COVID19 Pandemic started, finally I caught the virus earlier this year.
And trust me, even if mine was considered to be on the mild-moderate scale, it’s something I wouldn’t wish even on my worst enemy.
On one hand, I still consider myself lucky because I have been fully vaccinated prior to getting sick so I guess that’s why mine was less serious compared to others despite the high fever, coughing and chills during the first few days, which actually led me to reflect about my life in general. I guess that’s quite normal when one gets sick and has the chance to re-evaluate his/her space. Both my perspective and priorities changed indeed.
Adjusting to these changes were easier to embrace than going back to my usual grind, which proved to be more challenging. My typical routine which involves coaching, writing and working out became more tiresome than usual and there was always something off that I couldn’t explain that led me to feel that I wasn’t really being my best even if I already recovered from my sickness. Things aren’t just the same, one way or another. Maybe because I have already changed. And that’s one thing I must adjust to accordingly if I want to thrive in the space I want to be in upon recovering.
This led me to take time to reflect and realize the ways that I can adjust to life easier after healing from COVID 19.
So for all of you who are on their way to recovering or have recently healed from COVID19, this list is for you.
Accept that it happened to you
Ok, while it’s something that’s hard to swallow because we tend to see the negative impact of getting sick, being resentful towards it wouldn’t resolve a thing. In fact, it will only create unnecessary stress for you, now that you’ve fully healed from it as you focus on all things that went wrong and all those that could have been. Know that everything happens for a reason and perhaps getting sick and recovering from it is teaching you important lessons about finding silver linings and starting all over again. Only by opening your mind and heart to what is here and now will you be able to appreciate your current space as you heal.
Start small and celebrate along the way
You don’t have to be your superhuman version again immediately. Take things slow. One at a time. Do what you can, in your current capacity and then let things be. More than ever, now is the time to be kinder and a bit more understanding to yourself as you acknowledge what you can (and cannot do) at present. Give yourself a pat on the back because after all, you’ve made it this far and you are given a chance to start all over again. Then give yourself enough time and space to ease into your usual routine mindfully. You’re not in a race to begin with.
Have mindful pauses in between
Make sure that you spend enough time just having a break and reflecting on your current space. Recognize how you feel and the progress you’ve made. Listen to your body and do necessary adjustments in between. Be intentional in pausing so that you get to amplify your own progress with delays, detours and all — comfortably.
Be intentional in finding new joy
I understand that feeling sick can drain one’s happy hormones so now as you heal, it’s very important to replenish them because by being happy you actually help strengthen your immune system. Creating your own bucket list or planning ahead the things that spark joy in you will provide you with the much needed inspiration to carry on as you recover fully. In the same manner as you become more and more intentional and start to discover what makes you genuinely happy along the way, it is also just as important to let go of all things, people and situations that make you feel bad about yourself and your current situation. You don’t need those, trust me, whether you’re coming from sickness or not.
Create a new self-care routine
After recovering, you will never be the same person again. So take this time to come up with a new self-care routine that will allow you to grow in harmony with your new self as you heal accordingly and journey once more to becoming your own #bestmeever . Consider adding things in your usual routine that’s related to the improvement of your overall health and well-being: an exercise habit, meditation time, hard stops at work, more quality time with loved ones, social media detox – whatever you feel will help you cope better as you adjust back to life this time around.
I hope these tips help you adjust accordingly as you go back once more to the life you temporarily paused. At the end of the day, regardless of what awaits you, know that what is most important is that you’re able to move on and forward happily while learning from your experience as you remain in the pink of health.
