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# Switching off and on again
- URL: https://emilymorter.com/switching-off-and-on-again/
- Published: 2021-08-08T17:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-16T07:04:55.000Z
- Description: ideas for going in and coming out of lockdowns, the world is still turning
- Author: Emily Morter
- Tags: Writing, #Import 2026-08-13 18:12

Are you ok? I'm finding this time extra challenging. It takes all I've got to be adaptable and resilient each time we go in and out of lockdown. To respond thoughtfully to each day and each interaction, rather than just (over)reacting. It feels uncomfortably like being switched off and on again to reset. 

### Going in

As we go back *into* lockdown I have been practicing [completing my stress cycle](https://www.instagram.com/p/CSL%5FYC4Hw%5Fr/?ref=emilymorter.com). This includes pausing to take slow deep breaths, moving my body, hugs with another or wrapping my arms around myself for at least 20secs, having a big cry or laugh and letting myself use familiar repression mechanisms (chocolate, salty snacks, escapist books or tv series) without guilt or shame.  
  
If I am feeling up to it, I get curious about my feelings... I ask myself, how am I feeling in this present moment? Is this feeling from now or from the past or future? Do I want to explore that now or put it away to feel later? Can I feel this on my own or do I need someone to listen and support me through it? Reaching out for support early and often is one of my practices this year.  
  
We are also choosing small changes as a family to make this lockdown feel different. My husband will take some time off work to spend with our daughter who is learning from home, and try to slow down his hectic pace. I will have space to see patients for essential care and work on a few personal projects. And we will all focus on trying something new each day; a new flavour at dinner, a bath bomb, walking to a new park, listening to a new song...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/ec/5dece2dd-1b31-4e64-87f1-1d453618bd9f/content/images/2026/08/6b3fdaf8-11cb-4791-97c5-605e019dd00b_2738x2738-jpeg.jpg)

### Coming out

The transition back *out* into the world was really difficult for me last time. I felt a lot of anxiety and brain fog and really struggled to function physically and mentally at a pace faster than a crawl.  
  
So I'd really like to normalise taking a pause, taking your time, and going slowly and tentatively if you need to (for as long as you need to). When the announcement comes at the end of this lockdown, I will be cancelling anything that stretches me too far, taking days off as needed to support my own pace, and using these gentle ways of saying no:

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/ec/5dece2dd-1b31-4e64-87f1-1d453618bd9f/content/images/2026/08/ab2dca56-77f7-4c18-b5b8-6cd08743c6ef_586x595.png)

And I'll keep my online bookings closed for a while, so I can balance my calendar and my nervous system. All that being said, I love supporting your health and well being, and I'll continue to work both in and out of lockdown. So please let me know if you need my support.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/ec/5dece2dd-1b31-4e64-87f1-1d453618bd9f/content/images/2026/08/52301cd2-1072-4540-88a3-23697817b4c1_2738x2738-jpeg-1.jpg)

We are in the season of hope and new beginnings here in the southern hemisphere. Imbolc, the first quickening of spring, halfway between the dark depths of winter and the balanced days and nights of spring equinox.

I hope you can feel an unfurling inside yourself as the seasons turn. Maybe you can notice the return of blossoms and wattle, or longer light in the evenings or a fresh sense of the world turning and things inevitably changing again.  
  
Much love,  
  
Emily