Yesterday it was announced that the MCO will be extended for another 2 weeks till 28 April 2020. I’m happy as country we’re taking the right steps. With the trend improving, this move is inevitable to ensure we continue to win the battle against the common global enemy – COVID-19. Compared to many other countries out there, we ain’t doing that bad at all – instead we’re doing great!
Personally, I have a mixed feeling about the extension. I’m happy that I’m able to spent time with my special son, but for the same reason I’m worried, or if I were to be honest – I’m stressed as well. There is no gap in between to find time for myself, to really rest and rejuvenate.
He has been throwing sporadic tantrums, at times being extra clingy for attention and sometimes the total opposite – pushing you away.
During normal days, the space gap is filled when I go out to work. It’s not the work that helps me release or find my space, but the moments doing something else and times spent with other people in the office – colleagues and friends. Even after a rough incident the night before, I realized it’s easier to recover when I’m distracted out there channeling the stress in the open.
I’ve realized as a working father who is responsible for many heavy stuff both at home and office, finding this balance is important – something I’ve probably taken for granted before as it came naturally through the cycle of everyday life.
I’ve also realized the importance of self-care. Physically for sure, which we tend to attend to when our body shows clear signs it needs to rest. But more importantly our mental state – our mental health, which is critical against the backdrop of continuous physical tiredness and restricted movement stress – the struggle is real.
So – during this trying, restricted times, keep check of your mental state, it’s more important than you think. Seek help, write it out, find time to hide – do what it is needed to rejuvenate. Then go back to doing those things that matters – a reminder to myself.
Stay home. Stay safe. Stay sane.