Well, we all know how this worldwide pandemic is messing things up everywhere. I live in the Northeast United States and I work in a Whole Foods. We've stayed open through all this stuff. It's been really messing with my anxiety, having it pinned to a 9 or 10. Today, I had a woman customer wearing a mask and rubber gloves cough while I was bagging her groceries and it set me off in a bad way. It really freaked me out. But, the whole day did. It's been really crazy at the store, and it's really been messing with my anxiety. The last week has been nuts and tense. So, after today's freakout, my TL suggested I go on a mental health holiday, taking a few weeks off while this pandemic plays out in our part of the world. So, I took it. I would not get in trouble for not being at work, and I would get paid by using my saved up PTO. (I have over 330 hours.) So, I took it. Then I got home, and my brother had stress at this work because of this pandemic, but he is okay and we should be okay. But, man the last week and then today.
The good thing about taking the time off from work is that it will allow me to focus on myself and practice self care so I can get my head in a better place. I could also work on my writing with a lot less distractions. Plus, maybe do five yoga sessions a week (I do a home program. DDP Yoga.) I do four now, mainly because I'm very busy between work, writing and helping to take care of a parent with MS. So, I feel lucky for that. But, it had to get really bad to get to this point.
So, hopefully the next few weeks will be spent mainly at home. Many stores and businesses are shut down. So, I'll focus on writing, yoga and getting my head in a good place. Or so I hope.
I hope it gets better from here.