As lockdown restrictions begin to ease in the UK, it can be hard to break the routines we may have fallen into while we were at home everyday. It’s easy to fall into autopilot mode and lose interest in your hobbies, especially when juggling deadlines, work, and personal responsibilities. Many people may be asking themselves, ‘how can I feel more like myself again?’. But the good news is, you can start to reconnect with a few simple steps.
Take a Moment to Pause
I know it’s easier said than done, but making that intention to stop everything for a few minutes can bring a moment of clarity. Sometimes, we get caught up in scrolling for too long, hopping from task to task and forgetting to be present. So, I encourage you to stop for a moment, acknowledge how you’re feeling, and sit with it without judgement. Do you feel distracted? Restless? Maybe even content? Perhaps, you were enjoying getting through the chores or catching up with the latest memes. This gives you a chance to acknowledge what you have completed and what you need to do next.
Be Honest with Yourself
Get out some paper, or load up your notes app. It’s time to reflect on life a little. Life moves so fast, and we may only stop to think about where we are when we experience transitions like graduating, getting a new job or starting a family. But, a little reflection can help us slowly draw closer to ourselves. Let’s start with the positives:
- Write down things that make life feel good.
- What are you grateful for?
- What makes you excited?
- What makes you feel accomplished?
- Who makes you feel supported and cared for?
- What habits make your day or weeks better?
Now, you can start writing out those things you would like to change or improve. Again, be honest but also be kind. It’s okay not to be the ideal version of yourself and for your life to need improvements.
- What has been on your mind lately?
- Are there negative thoughts about yourself and your life?
- What makes your days or weeks feel hard to navigate?
- Which habits do you want to stop or reduce?
By acknowledging what you’re thinking and feeling, you might feel lighter already. You have both released your frustrations and brought to life all the things that make life feel better. You can also take this as an opportunity to then engage in dhikr and make dua.
Spend Time with Yourself
Take some time to take a break from your daily tasks. Make plans that give you something to look forward to. You can also try to do one thing that makes you feel relaxed or excited. This can bring you out of your bubble and help you feel more like yourself. It could be:
- reading a book
- going for a long walk
- sitting in the garden to start a new podcast
- trying out a new recipe
- making plans with friends or family (virtual or otherwise)
Author
Amirah is a psychology graduate interested in improving perceptions of mental health conditions and promoting positive wellbeing.