This has been an incredibly crazy time for everyone in the world. It seems that every conversation I have had lately has started with talk about the corona virus. For many, this constant barrage of information and uncertainty has felt overwhelming. When I am working with clients that are getting lost in the anxiety of the unknown, I try to help them focus on the aspects of their lives that are known or that they have control over. Here are some ideas about ways to survive these stressful times.
- Prepare your food: Be sure to have a pantry stocked with nonperishable foods like canned beans, frozen fruits and vegetables, pasta, tuna, nut butters and pasta sauces. Buy fresh vegetables and fruits like apples, pears, carrots or squash that have a longer shelf life. Make sure your spice drawer is well stocked to change up your flavors.
- Get outside: Make a point of going outside every day. Even if you only get on your porch or in your backyard, research is very clear that nature is important for mental health.
- Stay active: Take a walk, ride your bike or go for a run. Look for exercise classes online. The internet is filled with online classes. Also, The Refinery has moved some of their classes to the park and/or decreased class size to maintain the 6 foot social distancing recommendation.
- Maintain a schedule for yourself: It is important to maintain at least a loose schedule for everyone in your house. Decide on mealtimes, when schoolwork or work will be done, when are screens allowed? Everyone does better with some structure.
- Stay connected: Stay connected with friends and family through online platforms like Zoom, Facebook live or Facetime. Our support systems are even more important in these times of stress.
- Find ways to occupy your time: With all our activities being cancelled, this virus has given us the gift of time. It presents a unique opportunity to focus on some things we don’t usually have time to explore in our normal busy lives. Buy some new board games. Teach yourself a new recipe. Clean out your junk drawers. Take up yoga. Plant your garden. Start meditating. We all have activities we have been thinking about exploring- here’s your chance!
- Be forgiving: We are all adjusting to this new normal. Everything is not going to run smoothly. Just remember when you find yourself getting frustrated or angry with someone, we are all doing the best we can!
What are your ideas about how to survive and thrive in this strange time?
Photo from flickr.
