What to Do When Your Tire Pressure Is Low -What “Self Care” Looks Like During Covid19

I got into my car the other day and I thought it was going to explode!  There was a notification that the battery in my key fob was getting low.  Actually, that one had been around for a few days.  Nothing like hedging my bets that I could get in my car and it actually start!  Then a new one… warning that my front driver’s side tire is low.

Now that one is just annoying.  Typically, the tire pressure for my car is pretty stable.  It’s not usually until there are big temperature changes in the middle of “winter” that this is ever even an issue.  

So, I really want to be able to ignore this flashing red light on my dash.  I want to be able to ride along, as normal, without being concerned about the tires that get me to where I’m going.  Honestly, I don’t want to take the time that is needed to stop and put air in the stupid tire.

And I could do that, but at a cost.  

Ignoring that notification doesn’t make it go away.  It means that when I do finally stop to add air, it will take that much longer to fill up.  If I drive on the deflated tire too long, it means that I damage the tire.  And the rim.  It’s bad news.

And ignoring the notification about the key fob?? That pretty much leaves me dead in the water.

But this is a perfect metaphor for where we are 6 months into a global pandemic.  Physically.  Mentally.  Physically.  Emotionally.  Relationally.  

We’re flat. Wobbly. Sluggish.

We’re facing decision fatigue at trying to figure out how to school our kids.  When to go back to the office (if ever).  When we can travel again (it’s been so long!!).  

We’re irritable.  On edge.  More than a little grumpy with the people that we live with.

And we’re tired.  Bone tired.  So weary.  With no real end of any of this in sight.

What to do?

Take action.  Now.  Before your tire pressure dips any lower.  (Remember how you can actually save time/energy/money if you fill the tire sooner, rather than later??)

These are practical steps…

Get enough sleep.

Fuel your body with healthy foods.

Move your body in ways that feel good and are respectful.

Those are the basics.  But there’s more.

Get clear with yourself about the things that bring moments of joy, delight, happiness, peach, contentment, of at least a moment of calm to your day.

Things like being in nature.  Laughing with a loved one.  Playing a board game with your kids.  Petting your dog.  Taking a step away from a frustrating Zoom call and sending a silly text to a friend.

And do these things often.  Much more often than you ever have before.  More often than you think you “should need” to do these things.

This pandemic is a marathon, not a sprint.  Our collective reserve is long gone.  This is the time to dig deep.  But not to be more productive. Or more goal-driven.  Or in a way that takes our need for beauty and hope and connection and play in contempt.

Here’s a quarter, friend.  Find the nearest air pump.

And remember that sometimes an essential part of self care looks like therapy.  We can help with that.  Give us a call at 813-434-3639 to schedule a free consultation with one of our therapist.