Forgive Yourself, You’re Human
MEDICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH UPDATE
CONFESSION!
My relationship with alcohol is pretty normal (i.e. we have a fondness for one another.) Indeed with alcoholism in my family, I have the utmost respect for its power and, luckily for me, I don’t have an issue with it. (Believe me: I have other issues). But in order to improve my sleep, energy, and overall well-being, two days ago I decided to take a week off of the stuff.
Welp, I lasted a day. During the debate last night I just couldn’t resist. Sitting on the sofa feeling a mixture of distress, despair, hope, and who-knows-what, I poured myself a glass of bourbon (maybe two). The joy!
Let’s face it: alcohol tastes great and offers a warm cozy antidote to the stress of the day. But it also can interfere with sleep, mood, and basically every organ system in some way or another. While divine in the moment, it’s a chemical that can have myriad negative effects on our physical selves.
So this morning did I wake up feeling remorseful, defeated, and blue?
NOT AT ALL. I just vowed to try again.
For anyone trying to be healthier while managing enormous stressors during the pandemic, self-compassion is critical. Beating ourselves up for mistakes, particularly when small, only adds pressure to an already tense system.
The stress is real, heightened, and palpable. Feeling it is normal. And without as many coping mechanisms readily available to us right now, it’s easy to turn to other, less-than-ideal ways of diffusing stress.
In “normal” times I’d be down-dogging it in my neighborhood yoga class, laughing hysterically with friends over dinner, and popping into my favorite consignment shop on Saturdays (among other activities that I consider essential mental health boosters).
But right now, moments of fun can be as elusive as a fly on a forehead.
Particularly in DC, we can’t help but feel the fallout from the last three weeks. Already worried about the virus itself, we’re simultaneously dealing with a mental health crisis— what I am calling a “parallel pandemic” of fear, uncertainty, and emotional distress. Ongoing political unrest only stirs the pot. And the chaos and constant media attention to it will no doubt continue for some time.
My advice?
Know that you are normal.
Know that you are not alone.
Be kind to yourself.
Do set small, achievable goals to be healthier, mentally and physically, without beating yourself up if/when you slip up.
Whatever changes you are trying to make—whether it’s cutting back on alcohol, limiting media inputs, getting to bed earlier, or starting an exercise routine—take it slow, expect mess-ups, and keep trying. It’s never too late.
And find new ways to have fun, experience joy, and relish the moment. This weekend, browse through old photo albums, download a meditation app, tuck into a good book, get lost in trashy TV, or call a friend you haven’t seen since high school. It’s a heck of a lot easier to give something up when you add something else in.
Know that we will get through this pandemic—and that everything you do now for yourself is an investment in your future health and well-being.
I will see you next week. Until then, be well.