Hitting the six month wall and what to do about it
As we reach the six-month mark in this global Coronavirus pandemic, and face the prospect of a long autumn and winter of restrictions and uncertainty, I wanted to share a Twitter post with you that I have found immensely reassuring and helpful, in the hope that it will comfort and encourage you too.
It’s from Professor Aisha Ahmad, who’s Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Toronto. An international security expert and award winning writer and author,, Aisha has worked in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Lebanon and advises governments on global security issues. So she’s a woman well versed in unpredictable and tense situations.
Professor Aisha Ahmad
In her tweet, which has, unsurprisingly, gone viral, she writes:
“The six-month mark in any sustained crisis is always difficult. We have all adjusted to this "new normal," but might now feel like we're running out of steam. Yet, at best, we are only one third of the way through this marathon. How can we keep going?
This is normal
First, in my experience, this is a very normal time to struggle or slump. I *always* hit a wall six months into a tough assignment in a disaster zone. The desire to "get away" or "make it stop" is intense. I've done this many times, and at 6 months, it's like clockwork”.
Acknowledging that this is a worldwide experience like no other, Professor Ahmad goes on
“This time, our crisis is global and there is nowhere to run. That's OK. I've had to power through that six-month hump before and there is life on the other side. Right now, it feels like we are looking ahead at a long, dark wintery tunnel. But it's not going to be like that. Rather, this is our next major adaptation phase.
Look what you’ve already learned to do
We've already re-learned how to do groceries, host meetings, and even teach classes. And we have found new ways to be happy and have fun. But as the days get shorter and colder, we need to be ready to innovate again.”
Like everyone, this is her first experience of a pandemic, but Professor Ahmad is an old hand at the six-month wall. So what, she wonders, can she share to help us all? Quite a lot it turns out.
“First, the wall is real and normal. And frankly, it's not productive to try to ram your head through it. It will break naturally in about four to six weeks if you ride it out. Of course, there are things we have to do. Work. Teach. Cook. Exercise. But just don't expect to be sparklingly happy or wildly creative in the middle of your wall. Right now, if you can meet your obligations and be kind to your loved ones, you get an A+.
You’ll hit your stride again
Also, don't be afraid that your happiness & creativity are gone for the rest of this marathon. Not true. I assure you that it will soon break & you will hit a new stride. But today, roll with it. Clear away less challenging projects. Read a novel. Download that meditation app.
Frankly, even though we cannot physically leave this disaster zone, try to give yourself a mental or figurative "shore leave". Short mental escapes can offer respite and distance from the everyday struggle. Take more mental "leave" until you clear the wall.”
Professor Ahmad concludes her post with this heartening reassurance .
“In my experience, this six-month wall both arrives and dissipates like clockwork. So I don't fight it anymore. I don't beat myself up over it. I just know that it will happen & trust that the dip will pass. In the meantime, I try to support my mental & emotional health.
You have what it takes to keep going
Take heart. We have navigated a harrowing global disaster for six months, with resourcefulness & courage. We have already found new ways to live, love, and be happy under these rough conditions. A miracle & a marvel. This is hard proof that we have what it takes to keep going.
So, dear friends, do not despair of the six-month wall. It's not permanent, nor will it define you in this period of adversity. Trust that the magic that helped you through the first phase is still there. Take a breath & a pause. You'll be on the other side in no time.”
I do hope you found that as helpful as I did. And that these posts I wrote in the early months of this strange, challenging experience we’re all going through, full of practical advice on ways to keep yourself positive and well, will be equally useful
