Author: Mihlali Mqushulu
The infamous slump. I for sure know it and cross paths with it at least twice a year. One may call it a burn out or end year fatigue. It is mostly referred to as a sort of depressive episode. And these vary with different people. It’s gut wrenching and eye shutting with its migraines and endless palpitations, but most of all, it halts any progress you’ve been making via your care and wellness routine. So, the question is, how do I combat it?
First, I have to identify what caused the slow down. A typical answer would be small triggers. It could be an overwhelming sense of escaping my current imperfect reality and wanting to attain a spotless life, not knowing that there is no such thing. As humans, we are here to go through various obstacles but those are what makes us conscious and mindful of the wonder that is our journey. So, great expectations, BE GONE! I try to make an effort to accept that it is more than okay to not be okay. Acceptance is key.
As I move on from that, I begin to pull pieces from my pre-slump routine and slowly activate them. What am I currently busy with? What kept my mind distracted from the gnawing thoughts that come with this illness?
I search for a way to connect the puzzle pieces. For me, a good day consists of meditation and writing. Specifically journalling. I list everything I am grateful for, including my mental wellbeing. And then what happens when the rain comes, is, I look back on everything I had jotted down on the sunny days. It helps me recall why I fight for my health. Gratitude is a silent warrior that fights on our behalf. And before I know it, I am writing down a whole new list of things I am thankful for!
Now this one I cannot stress enough: SLEEP, SLEEP AND SLEEP! No less than 8 hours please. We are special people; we deserve special rest. There are notions I usually come across that suggest that sleep is a weapon used to delay the pace of our lives. I’ve never believed in that. Sleep deprivation causes irritability, fatigue and heavy mood swings. You don’t know something from the next. There’s not a single person or motivational author who can convince me otherwise. It is imperative that I let my overworked brain rest. In a medical sense, I need to get those chemicals flowing at their own pace. A good night’s rest is a definite way of getting back up.
The screen has always been a huge distraction for me, but in time I realized it triggers more than just my anxiety. Oftentimes, I get so caught up in a bubble of a world that simply does not exist. And what good does that do for someone? Absolutely nothing. Reading is more of a brain enhancer but I’m also very cognitive of what I take in. During my breaks from writing, I take time to research and connect with people who share the same experience and set of values as I do. A wandering mind with no aim is a cause of self-destruction. I have to be incredibly intentional with where I place my mental attention. Solutions will then pop up in my head seamlessly once I feel stuck.
I truly have various coping mechanisms, the one common denominator being a sufficient amount of rest. But what I need to look at is what I do when I am resting. How do those peaceful breaks fill me up emotionally? What breathes life into me? There is no wrong answer, but because of this chronic illness, I have to adjust some of the solutions into the betterment of my wellbeing. I can’t speak for everyone, but for myself as a 25-year-old who can get so caught up in the concept of a remarkable life externally, I stand my ground on making sure I’m well taken care of, internally. So, let’s get to filling our minds with intent and realize that no number of waves or red lights can slow us down forever. It’s seasonal. You do get back up. And always remember : you have this in the bag!
