How to Beat the Mulligrubs

Dear Friends,
Mulligrubs is a word I grew up with. My granny would often say she had the mulligrubs. It’s an old southern word meaning having the blues or feeling despondent; being sad.

Periods of uncertainly can make a typically strong person’s worries even worse. 2020 has been an unusual year with social distancing, wearing masks, medical visits via telephone or some other technological medium, and the uncertainty of bringing COVID-19 under control.

As a writer, I’m used to spending long hours alone, my butt glued to the chair (well, not literally glued) and with my office door shut to drown out the excessively loud TV noise. I know, before you suggest it, I’ve bought three of those TV ear thingies and hubby has broken all of them. He has hearing aids but doesn’t like wearing them. He says they make him feel old. He’s eighty-four years old for gosh sakes .

Okay, I’m getting off topic. Being alone must be in my DNA because the isolation doesn’t bother me. I’m not really alone. I have the characters I’m creating for whichever book I’m working on to keep me company. But, shame on them for keeping me awake at night.

For many people solitude is like being in prison and can take a toll on the mind, the heart, the soul, and the body. Very recently, I received a post card from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), with a list of suggestion to help remain emotionally and physically fit until this horrible virus can be controlled. I thought I’d pass it along. Feel free to share.

Be Your Own Advocate: focus on your own wellness and the wellness of your household. Some ways to do this is to Manage stress:

• Relax your body through taking deep breaths, stretching, meditation, praying, yoga, or other activities you enjoy.
• Care for yourself in whatever ways work best for you.
• Watch funny tv shows or movies because humor can help reduce stress.
• Try different activities such as reading, playing board games, gardening, or assembling puzzles.
• Build a schedule and stick to it, but also give yourself flexibility to break from that schedule if needed.
• Limit caffeine intake (don’t hate me) because caffeine may heighten anxiety. Drinks with caffeine include coffee, tea, and soft drinks.

Increase mental strength

• Make sure to take note of when things are going well and pat yourself on the back.
• Get consistent, restful sleep.
• Eat balanced meals to fuel your physical strength (I have a really tough time with this one because I’m a junk food-aholic with a proverbial sweet tooth.)
• Seek profession support if needed. Call your doctor or your minister.

Understand the Risk

• Use credible sources to stay informed but remember that it’s okay to take breaks from the news.

 
So, dear friends, just in case…no one has told you today; YOU are amazing! Have a really great day. What are some ways you are coping with the new and not-so-happy norm?