What To Do When You Can’t Do Anything

Reality Check!

Sometimes, we have those days where we just can’t do anything. Whether it’s because of a major depression episode, anxiety, an injury (oh hi, this is me), or any other reason that you can come up with (all are valid to some extent). Recently I fractured my ankle, and since I’m apparently “bed ridden”, I was worried that there would be nothing for me to do. We recently moved onto Hill AFB in northern Utah, and so I’ve filled up most of my days with unpacking and putting our new home together. So I’ve kept busy...until today, my first official day I have to stay off my ankle. I can’t lift or anything, and yoga has proven to be a pain (literally).

This post is more of a self help post for myself, but maybe there is someone out there in the same predicament or something else that has had them laid up for a while.

So what CAN you do when you can’t do anything? Here are a few “pro” tips (not really, from yours truly--Mell W.

-Pick up a simple, new hobby that doesn’t take too much leg work (ha). For me, it’s crocheting. I decided to crochet my 6 year old sister a scarf for Christmas, and with me off my ankle for the next 3-6 weeks, I’m determined to get it done.

-Homework....bleh. But when you’ve got it, you gotta do it. Hence why I put this as a bullet, mainly for myself and others who might be in school. Unfortunately, with the semester ending for my around the 10th of December, looks like I’ll flood myself with finals, and then come to a dead stop...yay?

-Writing, I love it! It’s therapeutic, it helps with anxiety and depression, and overall it’s just fun. You get to choose what to write about, and make it your own. I mean, you could even start a blog! Readers, if you do choose to start a blog, I’d love to read it!

-Binge your favorite TV series, or....get in the holiday spirit and watch those sappy Hallmark Christmas Movies (I’m watching one right now).

-Take a nice, warm bath and throw in a bath bomb or two and maybe have a glass of wine or a glass of sparkling cider.

-Make yourself some tea, or have someone make some for you! If your anxious or stressed, I suggest chamomile. If you want something that sounds “healthy”, try a blueberry mix or a cranberry mix (cranberry is also kind of festive, right?); but my all time favorite is peppermint tea. It has many benefits, and it just tastes so dang good.

-Yoga....maybe. More like modified yoga, if you have a physical injury. But ALWAYS check with your DOCTOR before attempting anything physical. With my ankle, I’m able to add crunches, some leg lifts modified, work on that darn corpse pose, and some other basic stretches.

-Online shop....I mean, it’s almost Christmas and in my book that means online shopping! Time to get presents for your family, maybe your friends, but definitely be sure to get something for yourself...maybe a self care kit!

Hope you are all doing well this Holiday season, whether you celebrate Hanukkah or Christmas, something else or nothing at all. Everyone deserves a wish of Happy Holidays. And during this holiday season, don't forget that self care is the most important thing out of it all.

Mell W.