It’s Okay To Do Nothing

Put down the oven gloves.

Learn a new language! Colour-code your wardrobe! Alphabetise your kitchen cupboards! Ways to ‘better’ yourself are being screamed at us from every direction – every platform – at the moment. We all have things on the fantasy to-do list, and some of them are happening, but what if most of them are not?

Does it mean you’re less of a person if you don’t rise with the larks and squeeze in a swim before sitting down at your desk for the day? If you haven’t baked every week for five weeks, have you failed iso?

Heck, NO.

We don’t know who needs to hear this, but, if you’re spending this time catching up on Netflix, Stan, HBO, Foxtel, Hulu, SBS On Demand and Disney+, good for you. If you haven't improved your culinary prowess and have been eating the same three dinners you always ate, that’s fine too.

But why take it from us when you can hear it from a doctor. Clinical Psychologist Dr Barbara Rysenbry says that during this time, “It is really important firstly to be very kind and compassionate to yourself.” Hear hear.

“These are difficult times and your mind may come up with some very negative stories and judgements about the situation you find yourself in.”

If you’re craving some structure and do want to create some in your day, Dr Rysenbry has some suggestions.

“It will be helpful to construct some sort of rhythm and routine to your daily life, working or not. Look at creating a plan for your week – divide it up into days and chunks of time, from the time you wake up ‘til the time you go to bed and see if you can schedule in some activities including exercise, reflection time, social contact, pleasurable activities, music, movies, reading, reflecting, walking, perhaps job seeking, set some goals. Other helpful activities include journalling, mindfulness, walking (in nature if possible). Also reach out to friends and find new ways to connect through the myriad of videoconferencing apps.”

And if you don’t, that’s just fine too.

To all the mums out there, here’s what we have to say to you.

Be kind to yourself.