YOU ARE NOT POWERLESS
It is an unusually uncertain time. We are in the midst of what some people call grief. Cities and entire countries all over the world shutting down because of a worldwide pandemic.
For some, it is the uncertainty surrounding the virus that is the hardest thing to handle. For others it could be the question of how they are going to stay busy for the next 21 days. Quite easy to feel overwhelmed and panicked right? But there are so many things that we can do (even in the face of such a unique crisis) to manage our anxiety and our fears.
Stay informed but stop obsessively checking the news
It is always important to check what is happening in our country and community but there is a lot of negativity out there. The television in my house has been on non-stop and I am quite done with having to listen to the horrible news every day. There is A LOT of altered information out there. I call it ‘sensationalist coverage’. This only feeds our fear, anxiety and worries. Be discerning about what you are reading and watching.
- Stick to trustworthy sources
- Limit how often you keep looking for updates. Pay attention to how it is making you feel and change it if it is affecting you.
- Step away from social media for a few hours
- Be careful what you share. Verify the information before passing it on and potentially creating unnecessary fear in someone else.
Focus on the things that you actually CAN control
I think we have become a lot better at pinpointing what things we can and cannot control. There are so many things that are out of our ability to change. That includes how long this pandemic will last, how others will behave and what will happen in our countries and communities. Letting go of control is one of the most difficult things to accept but it is important in order to overcome this time.
Shift the focus. Take the steps to reduce the risk. Stay at home.
Stay connected
Social distancing. Ain’t that something. Stay connected even when isolated. Reach out for support when you need it.
Take good care of your body, mind and spirit
Healthy meals. Plenty of sleep. Staying positive.
- Be kind to yourself
- Maintain a routine as best as you can
- Make time for activities that you really enjoy
- Get out and enjoy the sun
- Find ways to exercise
- Create a list of all of the things that you want to accomplish
- Clean out your cupboards
- Find ways to encourage those around you
Helping others will make YOU feel better
Amidst people fighting over toilet paper and hand sanitizers, be kind to one another. We are all in this together.
“We are standing far apart now so that we can embrace each other later”
Those who focus on others and support those around them tend to be a lot happier and healthier. Helping others not only makes a difference to your community but it supports your own mental health and well-being. A lot of this anxiety accompanying this virus stems from feeling utterly powerless. Add meaning and purpose and go out (stay indoors) and help others.
Stay safe. Let’s work together as a country. Let’s make it known that we can overcome. Let’s get this right.
