Dr Kelly Fleming

Life can become overwhelming. Day to day issues can become stressful from time to time. As into that equation, unexpected situations, miscommunication and so much more – life can become chaotic.

I’m definitely not perfect and I have difficulty with sudden changes to my schedule.

Self-care is the key to getting through the day and unwinding at the end of the day.

When things become overwhelming, I need a break. I need to walk away from the situation and breathe and relax before returning. I used to blow up a lot. Frustration and anger would cause me to just blow with no rationalization of the situation. This only caused an issue to become out of control when it didn’t need to.

So throughout the day I take whatever I need, 5 or 10 minutes to breathe, relax and clear my mind before addressing things.

When my day is over, I need time to myself. Sometimes I play Age of Empires on my computer, watch tv, put my music on so I can feel the beat of songs that relax me. Laura Branigan has gotten me through a lot of hard times. I may not understand the words (although thanks to the internet, I can look them up now), her voice is soothing and I know which songs will pop me out of whatever angst I’m feeling.

My time alone, to read, relax, take care of my mental health is the key that keeps me going and able to prioritize my needs and work towards a better me.

My faith helps me get through things and even when I just cannot pray, I try to at least centre myself in God’s love.