More than two months ago I was re-introduced to playing volleyball again- a sport I used to love and thought I had lost. To be honest, I was hesitant to play it once more. I have been dodging the invitation multiple times until I finally caved in- of course with the help of a friend. I doubted myself if I am still in it. It’s been two decades since I last play. I doubted that I may not be able to keep up with the rest as they play competitively (so I thought 😉). I simply doubted.
As we grow old we all get caught up with our lives. We become comfortable and reluctant to try something new- or revisit the old habits we like some time ago. For some reason unknown, I felt I have been in this kind of spell- I felt that the last few years I have been wrapped by the comfortable routines I have. I see that there is nothing wrong with that- and for some, routines become their own adventures or challenges. But they shouldn’t be.
Sunrise at Daytona Beach Volleyball court. 01.15.2020
Yesterday morning around 5AM a colleague and I were chatting online about the toll of the pandemic has taken in both our lives. He mentioned that he was stressed, tired, and joked about how he wished he had gotten to a different field. I expressed the same sentiments. We cut the conversation shortly after as we both were getting ready to work- my day 2 for the weekend. Around 7AM at the hospital, there was a code yellow (code for lock down) called overhead. The same colleague I was talking with earlier messaged me that a dead body was found at the parking lot near the emergency room- a man shot himself.
Mental health is a serious issue. In this time of uncertainties, it is important that we have an outlet to break a routinary habit. Working in a very stressful environment or sometimes just being at home full time can eventually catch on us mentally, physically and emotionally. On days I am off from work, I now included volleyball (aside from photography, reading and cooking) a must activity for myself to break my usual daily patterns of home and work. Walk the dogs, read a book, ride a bike, learn another instrument or tool, meet new people, and try new other things just to break the repetitive motion of our lives.
Lastly, don’t forget to check your spouses and significant others too. Thankful for my husband (specially last night for asking if I am OK), family and friends that constantly checking on me. Your thoughtfulness are never gone unnoticed.