When I was a kid my parents used to entertain my sister and I by playing a lot of records, singing and dancing the afternoon and evenings away. This continued into my teenage years and often in my solitude when I got home from school I’d have a party-for-one. Blasting records and imagine I was giving my very own pop concert. An embarrassing confession, yes? No. The exercise and the freedom of imagination both singing and dancing gave me kept my head above water in those challenging years.
Now I’m not saying annoy your neighbours by playing loud music, but I know I’m going to spend my time at home, while I have it, doing things I love to do. The reason I’m writing and publishing this blog today is I had the impetus to continue writing a new story I started over the weekend. It gave me such a thrill to be doing it. And the after feeling of having created something left me feeling content and happy.
Looking after my mental health is as important as looking after my physical health – for me the two go hand-in-hand. And I’m not perfect. I don’t claim to be. Not every day is a sail in the water. On those days I watch a film or TV series or better still I read a book. And so what if I have a little siesta from time to time. I remind myself its okay to have those down moments and not to beat myself up over them.
Whether you live on your own or with friend or family, please look after yourselves while you are at home. And remember you are not alone.
Much love.
Mark Young
Mark Young 