Most of us have moved through all seven stages of grief when it comes to handling COVID fear, stay at home orders, and the like. But are you one of those people who hasn’t leaned in yet? Are you still operating in a space of anxiety? Are you feeling like you’re in free-fall, every interaction dissected in your mind, every news article sending you into despair?
Don’t worry, there is hope for you yet. In fact, despite the fact that many have adjusted to the “new normal” of COVID routines, there is still part of me that fights it on the daily. When it happens, here’s what I do.
1. This Too Shall Pass…
I remind myself that nothing is forever, not even this. Even though it FEELS like it. Even though it seems like “nothing will ever be the same.” I remember the same feeling on September 11th. Knowing that the world had changed, but I just didn’t know HOW. Having perspective on when things were really tough, but got less so as time went on will help you process what’s going on now. Think of a time when you FELT the same: hopeless, maybe. In despair? Then remember how you GOT THROUGH that feeling and made it out to the other side. I think of my postpartum experience, one of the hardest things I ever had to do. But I emerged from the other side healthy and with a new lease on life. Look in your past, you’ve done battles before, and they’ve all faded away.
2. Change The Energy
How you approach your day is probably the single best indicator of how you will feel. Are you waking up and scrolling through the news? Or texting frantically with other news-involved friends? Take a moment to try out a stillness diet, or just change about how you think of your life. How to change energy?
Open up all the windows in your house and let the air in.
Burn some incense.
Play some music (dancing encouraged).
Clean the house (again).
Hang a picture.
Rearrange furniture, the pantry, etc.
Take out the rugs and beat them on the porch (so cathartic).
Get outside, even for a few moments. Touch the earth, a tree, the grass.
Energy is a THING and having stagnant energy around you is no bueno.
3. Write Out the Opportunities
Reframing this period of time will help you take advantage of the situation. There are benefits to being out of control. Be like water, open to the expanse of the universe. Get a piece of paper and write out all the opportunities this time presents. A few ideas.
Reconnecting with old friends.
Art/painting/drawing.
Knowing/interacting with your children more.
Learning a new language, hobby, etc.
Read those back ordered magazines.
Explore open parks/trails near your house.
Plant a garden.
Rest (do nothing, Office Space style).
4. Give Back
The most important thing to remember is that as much as you FEEL like you are suffering, there is someone who is worse off. Acknowledge this, be grateful for what you have by giving back. Research charities, go over your budget, see how you can dedicate your time to causes you care about. Use your mental and emotional energy to create a plan for being generous to the world. We are God’s plan for humanity. Our loving care and kindness towards others will save the earth. Don’t underestimate what you can do even with the smallest amount of resources, time or effort. Be warned, giving back is a gateway drug. You’ll be a doo-gooder before you know it.
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It’s not too late to find the benefit to this time of chaos–which when you think of it, isn’t all that different from business as usual. We are never in control. This “crisis” reveals to us our fear of death, the unknown, and our value here on the earth. Live it. Don’t let it pass you by.
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