About a week ago, I was feeling demotivated, empty, and probably can be categorically depressed for some unknown reasons. I shared what I was feeling to two of my friends. Although I wasn't quite relieved after having expressed what I was going through, I could tell they wanted to help but didn't know how to, and I totally understand. Sometimes, it's always good to just be surrounded by people who loves and cares for you, and that is more than enough coming from them.

On that note, I tried to find other ways to help me maintain my sanity, because, believe you me, I was about to lose my mind.  I was unreasonably anxious, and now that I think about it, it has probably led me to feel all those crippling negative emotions. And so, I made the conscious effort to take care of myself - mentally this time.

1. Joined a 21-Day Guided Meditation.

It seems a little coincidental that I found this post about a free guided meditation on one of a Facebook group page during the time I was incredibly down. I'm not a very religious person per se, but it does look like God's doing his thing with me. To me, it was a sign that I needed to slow down and not worry too much on the things I have no control over. I do feel like this is the quarter life crisis doing its once in a lifetime work on me, so I needed to somehow armor myself to combat the anxieties.

If you're also feeling a bit down and anxious lately, maybe joining the Hey Hay PH Support Group might help. I've linked their Facebook page for your convenience. It's a private group, but everyone is free to join. Also, you may follow @betterfilipinas on Instagram, and check if there are any other upcoming free self-care programs you would like to join. They are the organizers of the 21-Day Guided Meditation I am currently joining.

I am on my phone 24/7, and of course, people know that because most people are, as well. But over time I realized that answering messages, or even simply responding to comments on a social media post can also take much from you. I used to feel disregarded every time someone I message replies super late, but then I realized, as I have grown to become more and more busy, people only have so much time in a day, and they should have the power to control how they want to spend it. Yes, we are on our phones, but we get to have the final say on the things we want to do with it.

Currently, this is a work-in-progress, as I am slowly adjusting my sleeping schedule from 2AM to 12MN. I guess, that's an ideal time for me already. Luckily, I'm working in a company that has flexible working schedule, so I get to really own my time. I usually work around 9AM to 6PM. From 6PM to 12MN, I have about 6 hours to do all my self-care stuff (i.e. having dinner, yoga, meditate, taking a bath, skin care) and an ample amount of time to get some work done for my blog and podcast.

4. Sticking to a schedule.

Just like my sleeping habits, this is a work-in progress as well 😂 So what I usually do is open my Google Calendar and schedule a month's worth of work, and frequently make adjustments (even almost everyday) to that schedule. I usually make adjustments to when I do a certain work task, but other than that, it's pretty much set in stone.

Now, I know making schedule is not everyone's cup of tea, but for me, sticking to a routine helps me feel like I've got my shit together even though sometimes, I have not. In a way, it makes me have the sense of productiveness all throughout the day.

Another great thing about the company I am working in is that they've offered a program for free counseling to us, their employees, during the start of the pandemic. Knowing full well how the situation has pretty much shifted our lives differently, the company has made steps in taking care of its employees.

I have been considering of doing this, just so I can clear my head, and hope that I would be able to understand myself better. Sometimes, it's great to talk to someone who have no idea who you are because their judgments don't really matter to you that much.

I am no mental health professional. I am merely sharing these things in the hopes that I could somehow be of help in the event that someone might be going through what I am going through. The very reason why the fifth thing that I will be doing is getting some help professionally is I'm aware that it is best to seek answers from someone who has the actual license to do so. My belief is that in these trying times, it's always good to be reminded that taking care of our mental health is as important as taking care of our physical health. Your feelings of anxiety, depression, confusion, or any negative emotions are valid, and don't let people make you think otherwise.

With much love and kindness,