Emotional whiplash. That’s the word you are looking for.

War, less war, normal war, more war, quieter war happening in the background, louder war, war within a war. I’m so confused, do we have a ceasefire and with which war?

And then you have your children. Yes school,  Normal school, Zoom school, phone school. no school.

Purim and Pesach both came and went, and suddenly, fingers were clicked and, as if nothing had happened, “normal” life started again.

With no adjustment period.

If you had real whiplash from a car accident, you would not be expected to recover immediately. You would have support, therapy, medication, and other resources to help you return to normal.

Get up, dust off your clothes, and let’s pretend that nothing happened.

What’s the word that describes when people have a major, serious fight, suddenly stop, sweep it under the carpet, and carry on as if nothing happened?

And it’s not over. We all know it’s only a matter of time before we are thrown back into it all again.

The ceasefire with Iran has been around 3 weeks. If you are still feeling the anxiety from it, know that it is normal.

Here are some ways you can help yourself:  

1. Treat yourself the way you would want others to treat you. Be kind to yourself and give yourself space, even if it is just sitting on the couch and staring into space.

   
   

2. Take your sleep seriously. Being well-rested helps you stay more alert and handle more mentally, physically, and emotionally.
   

3. Go out in nature and be in the sun. Being out in nature will help you feel more refreshed, grounded, and calm your mind and body. 
   

4. Do something you enjoy outside of your family. Having fun will help you feel more balanced, re-energised, and connected to yourself.
   

Here’s a lovely picture of my feet. Last week I took some breathing space and went to the Dead Sea with a friend. I came home feeling a lot more peaceful and centred.