Struggling today. I'm a school employee so we're off for 2 weeks. A break is great and all, but it's too much time on my hands. I don't know for sure why 5 months of quarantine was easy for me and this isn't, but here I am. I can't get in to see my therapist until after the break and that's assuming he's willing to just speak over the phone as opposed to Zoom. I'm trying not to ruminate, but it's been difficult finding something else to focus on.

You've got this, I find it hard when I am not at school too. Why not try to keep yourself stimulated over the next few weeks to make sure that your brain is not using all of its energy on rumination. I hope you have a happy holidays because you deserve it. You are so kind to everyone on this app and so helpful, we really appreciate you.

I would imagine 2 weeks is hard because it's time off but not enough to do a project or really dig into an interest. I work in education as well and am off for two weeks. I have found my anxiety is a bit more heightened for what I thought was no reason. After some reflection, I'm realizing it's actually because the holidays are stressful in their own and bring me up a few notches anyway. Then add isolation and no family this year and my anxiety goes up a few more notches. It might be that your baseline has just bumped up simply because of the time of year. I know you are so strong and can get passed this but I'm also sorry that you are feeling this way. It really is difficult to get put of ruminations once you are in them. My hope for you is that your anxiety settles soon and you can relax.

Hey Ben! Im sorry to see you on this app because you’ve been suffering but i know you have the tools to get out of this rut. May i suggest something new to get your mind off things? A new show, a new restaurant? Things of that nature? If i could ask is what you are ruminating about an old theme?

I wish I had some good suggestions for you right now. I’m kinda going through the opposite in some ways. Even though my teaching job had been postponed again till mid/late January, I had Covid a few weeks ago, so right now I keep feeling like I need more time to catch up on everything even without teaching started yet. If you have any engaging hobbies, maybe treat yourself to some time there. Maybe a new card trick if that seems right? Just check in with yourself and try to make healthy choices. And if you falter, please forgive yourself and hit reset to keep going. Sending you strength and positive wishes. We’re here for you! (I don’t remember if you like dogs. If you do, mine sends you snuggles. If not, he still wishes you health.)