Tired...

That's the response I typically give people when they ask how I'm doing - other than sore (hah). If we're being honest, I think "tired" is currently a cover-all for the emotions we're feeling during this time.

Maybe we're feeling sad, or grieving plans that were made before this pandemic postponed or canceled them. Maybe we're angry or worried about not working, or maneuvering working from home. Maybe depression is trying to seep its way in, and you have to search for joy more intentionally, and adamantly than you usually would. Perhaps anxiety is waiting for you every time you or a friend/family member heads into work.

"Tired" is a bi-product of stress in our bodies. Feeling foggy, having body aches, and needing to nap are all ways our bodies cope with stress, and the extra cortisol in our systems.

Last week I sent a Snapchat of myself post-nap, to a group of friends saying "I've been napping when Ez does most days. Not sure if this is a good thing." One of my friends responded by saying: "It is more than okay. Outside of you being pregnant, we are all going through a traumatic experience. Our biological nature is fight or flight, and we aren't able to do either with this pandemic. Rest is good."

We all need rest, and reminders to rest (whatever that looks like for you) is okay, especially during this time.

There's also the chance you may not be feeling tired, you may be immersing yourself in activities, hobbies, or enjoying your time "off", and that's completely fine! We're all experiencing this differently, and we all cope differently. If you have the energy and the desire to create, or get out and engage in physical activity, or you have a hobby you love, continue to do those!

Everyone is experiencing different emotions and at different levels of intensity; we are all going through the same crisis, however it isn't experienced the same by everyone. Be patient with yourself, be patient with others.

Give grace to yourself and those around you, always, but especially in this time.