People dreading another 6 months of lockdown found this doctor’s thread very helpful

John Plunkett. Updated September 22nd, 2020

Boris Johnson said that his new stricter guidelines to tackle the pandemic may last six months and the way things are going, it feels like the restrictions are going to last a lot longer than that.

Which makes this thread by @ProfAishaAhmad even more timely.

The 6 month mark in any sustained crisis is always difficult. We have all adjusted to this "new normal", but might now feel like we're running out of steam. Yet, at best, we are only 1/3 the way through this marathon. How can we keep going? THREAD /x

— Dr Aisha Ahmad (@ProfAishaAhmad) September 20, 2020

First, in my experience, this is a very normal time to struggle or slump. I *always* hit a wall 6 months into a tough assignment in a disaster zone. The desire to “get away” or “make it stop” is intense. I’ve done this many times, and at 6 months, it’s like clockwork. /2

— Dr Aisha Ahmad (@ProfAishaAhmad) September 20, 2020

This time, our crisis is global and there is nowhere to run. That’s OK. I’ve had to power through that 6 month hump before and there is life on the other side. Right now, it feels like we looking ahead at long, dark wintery tunnel. But it’s not going to be like that. /3

— Dr Aisha Ahmad (@ProfAishaAhmad) September 20, 2020

Rather, this is our next major adaptation phase. We’ve already re-learned how to do groceries, host meetings, and even teach classes. And we have found new ways to be happy and have fun. But as the days get shorter and colder, we need to be ready to innovate again. /4

— Dr Aisha Ahmad (@ProfAishaAhmad) September 20, 2020

This is my first pandemic, but not my first 6 month wall. So, what can I share to help you? First, the wall is real and normal. And frankly, it’s not productive to try to ram your head through it. It will break naturally in about 4-6 weeks if you ride it out. /5

— Dr Aisha Ahmad (@ProfAishaAhmad) September 20, 2020

Of course, there are things we have to do. Work. Teach. Cook. Exercise. But just don’t expect to be sparklingly happy or wildly creative in the middle of your wall. Right now, if you can meet you obligations and be kind to your loved ones, you get an A+. /6

— Dr Aisha Ahmad (@ProfAishaAhmad) September 20, 2020

Also, don’t be afraid that your happiness & creativity are gone for the rest of this marathon. Not true. I assure you that it will soon break & you will hit a new stride. But today, roll with it. Clear away less challenging projects. Read a novel. Download that meditation app. /7

— Dr Aisha Ahmad (@ProfAishaAhmad) September 20, 2020

Frankly, even though we cannot physically leave this disaster zone, try to give yourself a mental or figurative “shore leave”. Short mental escapes can offer respite and distance from the everyday struggle. Take more mental “leave” until you clear the wall. /8

— Dr Aisha Ahmad (@ProfAishaAhmad) September 20, 2020

In my experience, this 6 month wall both arrives and dissipates like clockwork. So I don’t fight it anymore. I don’t beat myself up over it. I just know that it will happen & trust that the dip will pass. In the meantime, I try to support my mental & emotional health. /9

— Dr Aisha Ahmad (@ProfAishaAhmad) September 20, 2020

10.

Take heart. We have navigated a harrowing global disaster for 6 months, with resourcefulness & courage. We have already found new ways to live, love, and be happy under these rough conditions. A miracle & a marvel. This is hard proof that we have what it takes to keep going. /10

— Dr Aisha Ahmad (@ProfAishaAhmad) September 20, 2020

11.

So, dear friends, do not despair of the 6 month wall. It’s not permanent, nor will it define you in this period of adversity. Trust that the magic that helped you through the first phase is still there. Take a breath & a pause. You’ll be on the other side in no time. /end ❤️🙏🏽

— Dr Aisha Ahmad (@ProfAishaAhmad) September 20, 2020

And here are just a few of the things people were saying about it.

This is helpful 😘😘😘😘 https://t.co/c7AjrxDyxY

— Marian Keyes (@MarianKeyes) September 20, 2020

This is enormously helpful today. Thank you. Once I heard the CDC director's vaccine timeline, I started to really feeling weary, concerned, and down. This is a helpful antidote: the way through is through. And it gets better. Thank you.

— Jennifer Collard (@JennESCollard) September 20, 2020

I needed this. maybe you do too. https://t.co/xZNF4nug6n

— shauna (@goldengateblond) September 22, 2020

Thankyou! I’m really struggling mentally right now and need some reassurance that I/we will get through this. Love & hope to you x

— Jules 🌈🧜🏻‍♀️ (@MancJules) September 20, 2020

This thread is helpful https://t.co/0ou6bjCLT6

— Jo Unwin (@jounwin) September 20, 2020

You may need this thread. I'd promised myself I'd have a huge burst of productivity once the kids were back to school and instead I am staring at the wall. I should not be beating myself up for inexplicably failing to knock out a novel and nor should you. https://t.co/3RCdhs2gpK

— KJ Charles @kjcharleswriter.com on BS (@kj_charles) September 22, 2020

This is great – was really feeling stir crazy and cross 2 weeks ago. Just had 4 socially distant days in a caravan at the coast. Walking in the sea, fish &chips and ice-cream and some countryside peace was just what I needed. Feel as if I can battle on again.

— Kate Harrison (@kateharrison52) September 20, 2020

This thread is IMMENSELY helpful. You will feel better for reading it. (Thanks @alanmonolith) https://t.co/YphdwNxy5U

— Julia Raeside (@JNRaeside) September 22, 2020

Source @ProfAishaAhmed Image Pexels