The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of millions across the world. Isabelle Utleg, an illustrator from Metro Manila, Philiippines, is one of them. In this illustrative essay, she shares with us how she used her art as a therapeutic tool to navigate and better manage her anxiety.
The current events have been pretty heavy and emotionally draining for me. During the first few days of the quarantine period in my country, I experienced bad anxiety. The events happening around the world had been quite overwhelming and on top of that I was feeling under the weather. I thought I had it. I thought I had the coronavirus. It brought me so much stress and took so much of my energy emotionally. Thankfully, I got better.
Before I created these illustrations, my emotions were unstable. I never would have thought that staying at home, not being able to do my daily routine, and not seeing the people I usually see would affect me so greatly. Looking for ways to cope, I sought comfort in art and self-love. I felt the need to turn this negative situation into a healthy one. I learned to spend time with just me, myself and I, and started paying attention to myself—something I had never done before. But most of all, I learned to love myself more and enjoy the little things that life has to offer.
They say self-care isn’t a luxury but a necessity. I could not agree more. Growing up, my father would always tell me to do something today that my future self would thank me for. Picking myself up during these trying times and learning to keep an eye on myself physically, emotionally, and mentally is something I am truly thankful for.
Living through this difficult time we are all in, I want to stress the importance of taking care of yourself, whether it be through doing something relaxing or just finding peace by doing nothing at all.
Forming new habits to find structure amid chaos
I do not usually wake up early; however, when I do, I make sure to start my day right and make the most of it. I have always believed that mornings are a great blessing so I reward myself with a good breakfast and a nice cup of coffee to celebrate another day of life.
Reconnecting with my inner self and nature during these trying times
Don't you just love spending a moment with yourself where you can just breathe, reflect, and be one with nature? Nothing’s more comforting than tuning in into your emotions and unapologetically seeking solace by throwing caution to the wind. Moments like these give us a chance to appreciate the little things that life has to offer, the things we used to take for granted. And these little things we all know of, are actually the biggest.
I am a work-in-progress
Working out has been on my bucket list for years but I never got to tick it off or practice it because I always found reasons not to. But the truth is, I was just a slacker. The thought of it alone used to make me dizzy and tired. But I am glad to have finally got into it and I find happiness in doing it now. Exercise has not only shaped me physically, but it has also shaped me mentally. It has made me abetter version of myself as it has taught me to be more responsible and conscious. I haven't reached my goals yet but I know I'm getting there. Just like my illustrations, I am the art and a work-in-progress.
Self-care o' clock
As I was constantly looking for ways to improve myself, I thought of doing things that would benefit me in the long run. So I paid attention to what my body wanted. I did activities that I didn't usually practice I started pampering myself more often, working out, and balancing my food intake all while being loud and proud with my flaws and imperfections. On top of that, I learned to love myself even more and embrace all that I am as a woman.