Even leaving the house feels hard 

Since 2020 and the lockdowns I have difficulties to be with too much people. I need peace, silence and calm spaces.

I recently lost my husband we were married for 50 years. When i experience anxiety and feel the tsunami of tears I pray and let the tears come and go for a walk in nature. The other day was a bad day and at the end of the day I looked in my back yard and there were two turtle doves. I live in the vary northern part of British Columbia and these doves are rarely seen I felt my husband by my side. Love to you all and thank you for sharing Wendy. ❤❤❤

You are definitely not the only one. You are very lucky to have a partner that understands you and loves you for who you are. My marriage ended because of a partner who just couldn't or wouldn't understand me and who I am. That's ok my stuff isn't his stuff. Being alone is easier than constantly defending who I am.

My daily "checklist" that is helpful: 1. Get out of my own head 2. Thirty minutes of exercise daily 3. Build, fix, create, or clean something....anything that I can see results 4. Daily prayer or meditation (30 minures) 5. Meaningful act for someone else daily

i've changed since the pandemic, i love my hermit hobbit life in the shire. I feel like the pandemic helped me find myself and become more sensitive to what causes me stress. Before that I just barreled out the door and dealt with things I thought I was 'suppose' to deal with. Now I am happier, much more caring about myself and knowing myself so much better. In other words, if leaving the house feels difficult, then I don't do it. I make a life that is natural for me. I think some of us have learned that we had it all wrong and being at home can be very beautiful, natural. Also I realized the 'relationships' i had were not really connections. There is nothing but air there, nothing to miss because they weren't real. I still get out but on my own terms and in my own way that makes it feel okay. Also, to me, being human, we are meant to be living more natural, yes with a few others in our tribe, but the Matrix has changed things...so i live as close to nature as i can and that includes the nature of 'me'. I do not look at it as a problem but a gift to realize i don't need to fight against my true self

I am so comfortable in my house. I don’t want to go out. I have a great little Art Nest. My energy level is low and my physical stamina is low. I’m 77 years now. The thing is… I feel happy. I’m not depressed.

I don’t like crowds so I try to get my errands done before noon. I find after lunch there’s more people, more traffic and I just have no patience! I like being out when it’s relatively quiet. Love this video and thanks for the reminder! 😊

You're not the only one who feels this way. 💜🤗

I feel very content to stay at home. No real reason to go out except for groceries or church. My home is my refuge. So much to do here, inside and out in the garden, that I enjoy. I feel fortunate that I have a place to feel secure and at peace. Some people are living on the streets. Embrace what you have . Maybe there’s no reason for you to go anywhere. 😊❤️

I usually don’t want to go past the gates of my farm. That is where the Orcs are. The US has gone insane. My goats make way more sense.

I'm introverted, I can handle immediate family but not really the overwhelming outside world. lately I cut out social media, music, noise, stressful tv and decided to just retreat in to my shell until I'm recharged. I'm reading books, doing cardio, cleaned up my eating, journaling, painting, coloring in, cooking and enjoying being home in my own controlled space. I also work from home so I'm thankful for the flexibility, I sneak in some naps during my lunch break which is helping me a lot.

I love being home and am so grateful that I can be whenever I want to. So glad I am not alone in just wanting to be in my “nest” with my own thoughts😊

I know exactly how you feel. I am 82 years old and have been widowed since 2016. I moved to Savannah Georgia because my daughter and her family live here and you just can’t go anywhere and be totally alone at this age. I’m not a fan of the beach I’m more fan of nature, and I was lucky enough to find a townhome in a subdivision where there are other widows actually it’s kind of a mix of young old, middle-aged, etc. The back of the townhome, I have a screened in porch that overlooks loads of trees, and I have birdfeeders out and it’s just wonderful. There is a drainage ditch out there beyond but I don’t even see it and beyond the drainage ditch is land. Well, we just found out that a company that originally was going to build, a memory care facility decided to change that and now they are building four-story apartment buildings, two-story townhomes and garden homes. And my peace and serenity will be gone and it’s gotten to a point where it bothered me so much I did not want to go out of the house. at this point, I cannot afford to move because of the way the real estate is today. I have always done hand work and I don’t even feel like doing that anymore. I decided I wanted to learn to draw flowers with watercolor and brushpens. I have never been artistic and have never been able to draw a stick figure, but I have decided to download loads of RU-vid videos and put on nice music and try and learn to do this. I used to dabble in calligraphy a little bit, so I’m going to re-practice how to do that and maybe add it to whatever I learn in the way of painting flowers to make my greeting cards that I usually only sent to family. when I do go outside, I have neighbors that are so depressing and complain about everything and everybody and so I have no desire to go outside. So wish me luck with trying to get my brain to understand how to do the watercolor and brush, pen, flowers. It’s some thing I really truly want to learn.

I don’t have friends. I keep to myself and I enjoy being alone at home.

So hard to go out and participate in society. I love my hobbies; pottery, crochet, art journaling, hanging with my grand kiddos. They help me get out of my head.

I am extremely more sensitive now than I've ever been, and have been enjoying learning to be my own best friend, sometimes it's lonely but embracing that loneliness has helped me to go inward with more clarity and learn more about who I am, about myself. This is allowed me to work on areas of my life personally that I've needed improvement. So much more peace and being present. There's a world full of chaos but in my world I have peace, Joy, and I am finding wholeness

I go through this feeling you described due to chronic fatigue

I think people are turning inwards to a more spiritual life , I find we are being besieged by big business telling us that we need this and that , creating anxiety , instead we are wanting to go within and find our treasures there . I can remember a moment of being told to stay in lockdown and feeling relieved that I no longer needed to be out there . Sending Love and Light to all .

For us introverts - there are quiet, peaceful places I can go to that are still out and about without the overwhelm. Try a home grown local coffee shop (not a chain). I love to go to my public library, find my next read, or just sit in an armchair by the window and browse lovely art books or read magazines I don’t buy - there’s so much on offer at the library, and it’s free. I live near a harbor and there are benches. I can be outside there and read or draw, accompanied only by the laughing gulls and the water sounds. Put on your thinking cap for places such as these near you.

I appreciate this video very much. I don't have any in my family or friends that need to be home and quiet. It feels like everyone is constantly on to the next trip, buy or tick the box item. I find myself constantly defending my need to live simply, even and most especially to myself, it's as if it is not OK. I too feel overwhelmed by the world. I have found knitting, crochet, small DIY projects, growing a small amount of herbs and edibles and walks in nature, save my sanity! The challenge is other people's view of you but in truth.... they are probably just 'keeping up with the gang'... so then they're not being true to themselves. So cheers to you, me and everyone in this community for holding space for our true nature 🥰 🌹 🌻 💜

Hello unexpected Gypsy tribe my top tip is when I'm cleaning i pop on a podcast......im so busy listening, i not only shut up my brain, the task gets done. I can think of nothing better than when I'm overwhelmed, overworked than my home and pottering about. Big love x

When I’m feeling out of sorts, a nice walk in the park with my dog really helps! Without my little doggie, I probably wouldn’t go outside at all!

I loved this video tonight. You have really struck a chord with me! At almost 75 I have become so fearful of the world. I’m happiest being home doing what I love doing & not having to explain or defend myself. Such a terrible shame the world is where it is. Maybe as the months go by things will improve.

Yesterday, I discussed this with my husband about my reluctance to go to social events! I'm ok with being in places,but getting ready to go and leaving is a struggle.

You are so lucky to have the love and support of your partner. I'm 70 year old lady completely on my own. Living off grid in a tinyhome. No one would no if I drop dead. I would give so much to have someone to hug me, and just care. So I think you need to be more grateful for what you have. You are rich. I'm a artist too. And I love nature.❤❤

Definitely not the only one who feels this way. Sometimes it’s hard to do anything that feels productive.

I live in a very quiet place surrounded by nature at the foothills of a large mountain range. It is not very often that I leave my home. I leave my home about every two weeks.Going into town is a 45 minute drive. To go to a large city is a two and a half hour drive. In the winter, it is common to be snowed in. I enjoy being at home and creating fun things, baking, gardening, or reading a good book. It is super quiet here. When I stand outside in the winter there is no sound at all except the sound of the wind in the pine trees. In the spring and summer months I hear birds. I like yourself, enjoy those little naps in the afternoon. I need to start journaling. Instead of journaling, I write letters to people I care about. My letters look similar to how you journal.

About listening to our intuition, my dad always told me:if you have doubts about anything, don't do it. Don't question yourself, just walk away. Every single time I didn't listen to this advice, I've regretted it. Every single time.

I have shocked myself as a fake extravert.....to discover l am a natural introvert. Trauma forced me into solitude to heal. It has been my saviour. I rarely go out, only to get good fresh food locally and chat to locals. Nice balance. I deleted all past people....as l was not bothered to explain how quite l have become. And love it. I decluttered my cottage of image decor. I hired a skip and filled it. As l want to feel free. My home is now a pleasure to clean and manage. Who would think? How simple it really is.

I haven’t stepped out of my condo for more than 3 weeks now - this is something I have never felt before and life has come to a pause for me

Home is where the heart is….Van Gogh quote is perfect

Thanks for the video Wendy. I’m an introvert and can suffer with social anxiety. I have a limit to how much social interaction I can have before I need to retreat. It can be hard for friends and family who don’t understand that need because they get energy from being social. I have no qualms anymore about putting my mental and emotional health first and actually after a particularly social and busy week, that’s what I’m doing this weekend…I’m giving myself some time out. It’s been wonderful! 😊

I clean my house! Draw, watercolor and paint! I am not good at any of them! So I find myself laughing at myself! I take a 20 minute nap! Before dinner! Sometimes it is just closing my eyes!

the sea is where i love to recharge when I can, sadly I am landlocked most of the time . Meditation is a must starting my days . Being outside in fresh air and nature. Music lifts the spirits. Reading has been a passion since childhood. I really like to move slowly through this world.

I suffered from this for several year, did not want to go outside even though I live by an old growth forest and the ocean (all in a city). Then about 8 months ago this miraculously 'lifted', and it felt like I was set free, like chains came off me. All this to say, don't beat yourself up, there may be external forces in play. Perhaps we're purposely kept isolated for some reason. Perhaps we are being asked to go inside and set ourselves free, internally, then we are forever free. During this time period I had to work through a lot to to feel ok within myself. Some days I still don't feel like leaving the house but when I want to it is no big deal, and to me that is the miraculous part. No struggle. To get myself out in the past, I would purposely buy few groceries at a time so I would be forced to go out. I still do that.

I can relate so much to what you've said in this video. I have been through so many changes this past 10 years and I have been "trying to find myself" again. If it hadn't been for my faith and love for my Lord Jesus , and my moral and mental support from my kids...I know I wouldn't have made it this far. I lean on Him/ them daily. I've survived an abusive marriage, got through the divorce, retired from the work force, facing my golden years and helping my adult kids. Thank you for your videos. If anything you have reminded me that I am not alone in my struggles. My crafting, painting, gardening, kayaking, and quiet time plus some of your advice has helped me cope and see brighter days ahead. God Bless you Wendy! ❤🙏🌷

I work in a Customer Service role at my 9-5. The work itself isn't bad but the mental environment is toxic and the product that is produced is mediocre at best. Its really taken a toll. Whe 25-50+% of emails atart with an apology has worn me down. I've found being in a quiet space or with soothing music is key to helping my mind/body disregulate. I've been on a continual purge project for almost two years, which is taking longer than I'd like due to physical limitations. All that being said, Journaling, Planting Flowers, Listening to Jazz or Spa Music, Reading, and preparing for Early Retirement by building a micro business where I can use my Strengths, Talents, Abilities and Gifts. I did hire a Mindset Coach in March and its been transformational. Never be afraid to ask for help.

Hi Wendy, I'm 100% with you on this. I would add that our journey of acceptance is always changing and in that sense unending. We do have to stop being so terrible to ourselves. I had to give up work in 2018 due difficulties with fibromyalgia. Just when I think I've come to terms with everything another thing pops up 😂 but I can't dwell and linger for long or else it becomes too hard to get back up again (mentally speaking, it's always hard physically 😂) I've watched your channel from the start and now I see that you too are going through a possible fibromyalgia diagnosis and I want you to know that you've been there for me while I've been stuck in bed unable to walk etc. I bought a table, made a "bedio" I sat up and drew in sketchbook, painted and all sorts ❤❤❤❤ Pace yourself physically and mentally and love yourself. You need to look after you first so you can look after everything else after 😉❤️

That quote from Van Gogh is so true! I have low energy and find it difficult to do usual things. I live alone, so I don't have to listen to people's "you are lazy" all the time. I generally don't share how I feel. I don't feel better if I do and generally people are judgemental. But I would love to go for a walk in nature, listen to birds and the wind playing with the trees' leaves. The problem is I live in Bucharest, which is noisy and has very few green and quiet spots. So I invested in noise cancelling headphones and I listen to nature sounds when I'm at home. I love watching Gardeners World and art videos and I love doing crosswords puzzles, they help a lot. That's about it... Wishing you the energy to enjoy the things you love.

Ive spent most of my life wanting lots going on around me, noise, chaos, people. But now at 58 I find I no longer want that at all. I just want to be at home in my lovely house, with a sketchbook and paint, or a book, or videos.

I understand what you are saying, I think Covid made it ok to stay home . However, getting out there again has been very difficult for me, I literally have to force myself to go out. Once Ido i feel so much better. So on those days when I feel the need to force I remind myself of how good it will feel when I get back and that pushes me on. Making a date with a friend for a quick meet up is also very helpful.

As an autistic woman, I hear you, friend

I often have trouble leaving home as well and have very low energy. I make a list of 1-3 things to get done most days and if I get at least one done ✅ I call it a success! I take a nap most days or at least lie down for an hour without screens.

Peace for next day starts in the evening ........I clean my kitchen’. Spotless everything put away except my candle...pad of paper and pencil..... I write down my 3 meal plan for the next day by looking in refrig to see what is available... cooking is stress to me, this routine makes for a happy day ............I am grateful for this channel and your art. I want to crochet again. What shall we create with yarn together. 🤩

I love everything about this video. I’m a retired nurse turned watercolor artist. I’m finding that decluttering my home helps me so much mentally . All the basics are perfect for me - creativity, cleanliness, Pilates are my go-to’s. ❤

I work quite a lot from home as an artist as dont have my own studio and lately I have been having cat naps inbetween and has made a difference 😊❤

Doing art and writing are good for the soul. Playing an instrument is also. Do it for yourself not others. Someone will like it. You will feel good. Do not stop no matter what. It is good you encourage people.

There are many weekends that when I get home on Friday evening from work, I don’t leave my home until Monday morning. There’s just too much chatter going on in my head from my busy weeks that I just need peace and quiet. I sit on my deck, and listen to the birds and watch them eat on my bird feeders then I feel like I can face the next week.

I loved this video Wendy. It helped me feel seen and accepted. I worked out in the public for too many years . After retiring I began to really understand the stress I was under trying to meet the expectations of others. Now I am joyful as I pursue my interests in gardening, cooking, reading, sewing, quilting, NeedleArts and loving on my sweet grandchildren. I feel authentic, true to myself and my highly sensitive nature and no longer need to explain to others my lack of socializing.

Gosh, that Van Gogh quote hit really close. We are lucky he left so many letters behind with his thoughts. It shows me that it is not just a modern thing to be out of sorts with ourselves and with the world.

I loved this so much. I listened to another RU-vidr a while a go that also struck a chord with me. She uses the term 'my spoons' to measure how well she is mentally. For example if she feels low she has fewer spoons. Each time she has to do something or make a decision she uses her spoons. Her spoons are basically her mental ability to apply to the needs of her day. Saying "I do not have enough spoons tfor that" is saying "I need to take a break; a rest from stuff" Does anyone else use a sort of synonym like this? ❤

I feel the same, I thought I was the only one feeling like this 😢. Thank You for sharing. 🌷🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

You mentioned crochet in your things you'd like to do. I'm in the middle of doing this again this year in the lead up to our winter. I love that as the throw or blanket gets bigger I get cosier while the weather outside gets colder. There is a rhythm to the stitches (knitting as well) that is soothing. The habit of shopping for entertainment wasn't something I did but even going out to shop for necessities is somehow unappealing.

I feel like I have found my people 🌷As an introvert I am so tired of the world telling me I must be lonely or depressed if I just need a bit of time away from people. I just need to be with myself sometimes to hear my inner voice. I treasure my little house and my garden, it’s my sanctuary. I am working on doing a little “productive” thing every day, though, it helps my self esteem to feel like I am moving forward. Lovely video thank you

Love all the tips in this video. Love all the Wendy wisdoms. 🥰The world is so overwhelming, chaotic and a sensory overload and it seems to get worse!. Being autistic is intense everyday and leaving the house is always hard so can relate. With my physical health slowly declining over these last 4 years life gets more exhausting. I need to start journaling. ASMR has been a massive game changer on how I deal with my anxiety and helping me sleep and also feeling connected to someone on those extra lonely days. Videos like this are a self care to me too alongside my colouring and yoga. Just know you are always doing the best you can. Existing is hard work. Thank you for doing this 🤗🤗xx

People need to look up the Highly sensitive person.

Yes I’m enjoying being at home I can’t be around many people! I’m an empath and sensitive too! Stay strong! The Best Is Yet to Come ❤️💜❤️🕊️🙏🌎

You are not the only one who feels this way 🤗💙

Tip: turn off your wifi on an evening and especially at night. Remove or at least reduce your blue screen use as it messes with your circadian rhythm. Put your mobiles out of the bedroom or at least in a drawer away from the bed. You are worth more than a black screen demanding you.

Wendy this is one of your best video you have made well done to you 👏

I couldn’t have said it better myself…. Everything you have said I go thru everyday… I also have to push myself when I need to go out… I’m struggling ….🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

You speak so much sense Wendy and it is such an important reminder to us all to hear you talking of all these important self care habits. I feel like you are a best friend (to us all) imparting care and concern. Thank you ❤💐💕⭐😊🌟

Wendy...'thank you' for caring,you have such empathy.🌻🌿🌺🌿.

Nature has always been my respite. I’m 76 and I’ve learned to take small breaks between tasks…..but you don’t have to be 76 to do that, lol💜You are an inspiration 💜

I think (in my humble opinion) you could be such a good mental health coach. I can so realte to many things you say and feel when it comes to mental health and energy. In Germany we have got a saying: what other people say about you, says/tells more about the other person than about yourself.

Change the linens . Take a bath outside. Cucumber mint water. I project . Walk my dog. Eat a salad Go to bed early

My doctor told me I was acrophobic, even though once outside, I love being in nature. It is getting out of the front door that I find hard. But I have to do it every day to walk my Madge, and once out, I enjoy the walk, but sometimes I can go further than others, and feel a relief when I get back home again. I have not been out into the real world since 2020. xxx

Glad you have found some ways to get through lower energy days. As many have said, the pandemic increased my introversion and desire for lots of peace and calmness. My husband and I have phone recordings of peepers and frogs from a vernal pool near our home. We play it on loop often for days at a time. They are very soothing ambient sounds to us and gently brings the outdoors into our home.

I'm an hsp. Always have been. It has been extremely difficult for me to set bounderiess and self care. Everyone else has come first. It took me awhile to figure out that my me time was important to be able to fill the needs of others. It is selfish but necessary to provide for others or I will burn out.

I make a cuppa tea and watch a Wendy video. Look forward to your videos evey two weeks!¡

I really related to this today, Wendy. It's a bad pain day due to fibromyalgia, but I have things that I need to get done. Hugs to all of us who struggle some days with getting out there.

I love the peace of my home and the presence of my dog. The world has changed and not for the better. You are not alone. I really enjoy your videos, thank you❤

I listen to scripture via Abide here on RU-vid. It's comforting when trying to fall asleep.

I'm a very very high energy person and I go thru this also. Saying this for all the other firey ones that are wondering if something is wrong with them. You're normal!

I experience this often. Thanks for your honest and wise support ❤

Thank you!! I Totally relate to needing/wanting to stay home, quiet, refreshing, rejuvenating!! So nice to spend the time thoughtfully aware, and appreciative of this luxury. Blessings to you and everyone ❤

You're not alone. I definitely have many days like that. I don't even want to talk to anyone on the phone. I'm lucky enough to have a partner that will pick up the social slack when I feel that way. Our society is hard on introverts and those who need solitude. I treasure both quiet time and the company of my family. I'm trying to accept these are my rhythms, even though our culture makes me feel like something is wrong with me. I just think we all have different needs and environments. What I do when I get stuck is break things down into very very very small steps. Like, "stand up," "open the blinds," "Open the windows." If I can do small steps, it gets more going to do more.

you're so lucky to have a home, and a studio in your home, and bring in income without leaving home! Why would you want to leave? haha It seems like a dream, to be able to work from home (considering alternatives). Unless you have amazing friendships at work, which then you would probably love to leave the house, why would you have a studio away from home?☺ it just seems like a lot less pressure if you just enjoy your cozy lovely home life, and then make 'dates' with a friend or a visit to cafe when you need some 'out there' time but in a much more cozy and no pressure feeling. Hope you feel better in your life.

I have always been a hermit, thrived when I started working from home. Now I am retired and I love my BUBBLE. I love my home art office. Lots of times when I go do groceries or a coffee shop 80% of the time humans out there remind me why I like staying home😂. Nothing wrong with it at all. I sold my house and am in a wonderful apartment building but I’m doing my best not to make friends with my neighbors.

I have a Bad Day Check List in my journal. In addition to healthy eating, sleeping, hydration, and tidying up, I have added: Have you been in nature? Have you spoken to another person? Do you need to shower or change clothes? And…Do you need to cry?

I actually got up and started tidying up whilst watching this! Thank you Wendy for your wonderful insights 💞💫🙏🏻

Yes! I find since the pandemic I really struggle to get out on a regular basis! I dislike crowds and car rides.

Hi. Wendy. What an inspiring video! Im still hating widowhood, almost 5 years on. Im retired. Live alone. No kids or nearby family. But Ive been on an amazjng journey of self discovery....Im teaching myself to paint seascapes. I walk daily by the nearby sea. Ive learnt to ditch negative people. I value my one best friend. Im maybe a bit too nice, too generous, and she plays on that sometimes. But she has complex family and I like being there for her. We have fun days out. I embrace my solitude. Im very sensitive to noise, crowds. I meditate every morning. I keep my space tidy. I have arthritis in my knees, so need help gardening. But I love looking out at my floral courtyard. I know what you mean by protecting your energy. Im really into Astrology...an empathetic Libra. All my decisions are made from my heart! I love your Wisdom. Worst flaw...over thinking! Thats when I head out for a stroll by the sea.....❤❤❤

We live out in a little urban village called Warkworth Ontario Canada. I really love your sensitivity and sensibility’s. As an artist, I am finally accepting myself, realizing my talent and not letting the negativity of others hurt my sou. I am learning to create and love my own work. For 20 years I hadn’t allowed myself to paint or create. Somehow, I got into a block for many years. I worked all my life making everyone else’s lives better. I have always been a creative, just not in the fine art field. Finally Moving here in 2020; 3 hours from our old office over 29 years, life has Changed in every way and in everything! Suburban to urban. Finally getting on with my life. Thank you for all your wonderful exuberance! Great ideas, great encouragement! Love your blogs. Sending you love! I admire your work. Thank you for sharing your great energy!

Yes, I feel this way at times. Especially when I have been busy for a few days, I really shut down for a couple days.

Everything you listed resonated with me, as things I do to get through the rougher days, and to try smoothing them out. I sometimes check my biorhythm chart, which allows me to let go of stress, and not pressure myself to perform physically, emotionally, or mentally, if I'm on a low part of the cycle. The only other thing that you didn't mention is music, the kind that lifts you, happy music, relaxing music, revving music to get things done, favourites both from the present and my youth. It can affect my mood in a positive way. My main routine always includes a morning shower, eating healthy, gentle yoga, including meditation time and cleansing breathing exercises. Getting the "must do" tasks done, then celebrating with a preferred drink (tea, coffee or cocoa in cold weather, or juice, iced tea or coffee, or sparkling water with fruit in warm weather (and I add an ice cube or two, so the glass tinkles as I carry it to the garden to sit and sip). I also like, if I can get out of the house, to get to nature and walk, or to even just sit under a tree or on the beach (weather permitting), or on some days, just parking my car somewhere with a pleasant or interesting view, and just being "in the world" observing, while staying inside the cocoon of the car (used more often in winter). And finally, to build work, rest, and play cycles into every day, to try to prevent overload, and develop a healthy routine for recharging and maintaining my energy flow. Wishing you joy, opportunities to celebrate within each day, happy dances and connecting with nature. Sending gentle healing hugs and energy to the moon, where it can bounce down to all those who need it (go on, catch a moonbeam with your smile!). Thanks for a lovely, gentle, and inspiring visit. May your muse and fairies visit often. Remember, there are always those who wish you well, and we all need to give ourselves a round of applause (no, really do it, clap your hands, take a bow, even if you are the only audience! Celebrate each accomplishment, of all you did each day.) Sending gentle, soft hugs, and adding my applause in the moonlight 🤗🌙👏🧡❤️💜

Since the big c, everything seems like it has accelerated including speech. Perhaps trying to make up for lost time. A lot more angry people now too. I enjoyed the slower pace. Less noise...airplanes make a huge difference. I loved the hush over the world when they weren't flying. Now I find it even harder to people. I'm content with a quieter life. You can find me in my blanket fort coloring with my legs up the wall 😊

I stopped. I relaxed and focused on your voice and words. My anxiety lessened. Thankyou so very much!

I am fortunate that I have my two dogs to force me to take them out for exercise. I am navigating grief and the loss of my husband and my two sisters, all within 22 months. I have no one special or close in my life now. My dogs are my cuddle buddies and my companions. Unfortunately we all now suffer with separation anxiety away from each other. We are working on this. It is important to remember we are stronger than we realise, and everything will pass in time.

Think I am a similar age to you and going through a bad perimenopause , which makes me want to be alone and very anxious, it couldn’t have come at a worse time with Covid 😢Hear a lot of people commenting about not wanting to go into shops or busy places , try working in one to pay the bills . I and many others worked right through Covid and would have loved to have stayed at home and with mental and physical health issues ( which by the way Wendy you are totally right go hand in hand ) and toxic work colleagues it is not a good mix . Before anyone says change your job , age and health factor in to that not being easy . Bring on retirement 😩 . Having said all that , I do try to do all of what you have said Wendy and when you can it definitely helps eg rest, nature walks , gardening etc . Best of luck to all of you suffering the same , at least we know we are not alone 😊

I have recently been in therapy doing CBT and I said I don’t like to go out much and my mind says " I can’t be “bothered" and my therapist said it is "tick" and you respond in your mind "tock" to stop this and so far for me it has worked. my low energy though makes me feel like i just want to sit in my nest ->bed lol

I heard the phrase- manage your energy not your time. It was a change changer for me. I have my most focus and energy in the early morning - so physical or mentally challenging tasks I do in the morning. Mundane, mindless chores- laundry, cleaning, decluttering, errands I do in the afternoon. I don’t wait until the end of the day to tackle tough jobs- I have a long transition to bedtime of peaceful relaxing activities and a sense of pride and accomplishment for an effectively productive day balanced with human and nature connection and physical activity!!

I empathise and understand as I feel exactly the same. Listen to your body and mind and love love love yourself. ❤️💕💗

I've become quite agoraphobic since the pandemic. After all there was a time not too long ago when being with others could kill you in the end. I will go out when I can feel my husband really needs it, but other than then I am quite content to stay here in my happy place. Still looking for ways to "flip it", but at least I've come to a place that I no longer feel quite as guilty about it.

To remember that it's ok to not feel like doing anything. To not add the guilt of feeling like you should be doing something add to the distress.

i don't have the same drive i used to...i am battling perimenopause complete with avocado sized fibroid...i was looking forward to enjoying this part of my life as being freeing and getting to do more of what i like...i just don't ever really feel good...i've not been moving much out of my chair...i don't feel like dealing with people either...

Taking a break and I mean a week from normal house work really helps me, I do the dishes and make my bed and get dressed,but I'm now retired and just need a break from the every day monotonous chores.I love decorating and buying home decor for my apartment, taking a long walk,or going out to eat with a friend,or going on a day trip or a shopping spree really helps me .And I love to curl up at night with a wonderful Paranormal book!!I'm reading the Crescent 🌙 City series by Catherine Maas

I love staying at home. Everyone thinks there's something wrong with me. As a kid I was forced to go out to events and classes so I think that's where my anxiety comes from. It's too busy and noisy out there, it's not worth it most of the time. I absolutely loved lockdown.

😂It is not really a negative or bad thing to be in your space and feel safe and comfortable it just different to being out and about ,how wonderful we have that awearness and are acting upon it, so I welcome the change in the routine and enjoy the difference.

Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! I feel super validated after watching this video and reading so many like-minded comments. Sending love and light to all. ❤