Looking After Yourself During Uncertain Times
I can’t be the only one who feels like the world is a little weird right now.
We live in very uncertain times. The world is faced with a pandemic that governments and scientists are still working out how to manage, advice seems to change every day and the media is full of speculation, it’s A LOT to process. In the last few weeks a lot of people will have found their lives turned upside down, their freedom to choose how they lead their lives limited in a way they might not have experienced before and the fear of what might happen next looming constantly. With all that in mind IT IS TOTALLY OK TO FEEL WEIRD.
I didn’t think I was anxious about COVID-19 until a couple of days ago. I realised I was consuming a lot of media about the virus, seeking out multiple sources of guidance because I didn’t feel reassured by just one (however official)and finding it hard not to think about my health all the time (not surprising given it’s front and centre of most conversation right now), all behaviours that I am more prone to exhibiting when I am feeling anxious. I became worried about the prospect of not being able to be outside and what twists and turns public health policy would take next. As someone who likes order and predictability everything that’s going on right now is challenging, but there are things that can help.
Filter Your Media
It is important to stay up to date with government announcements related to the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean you have to refresh Apple News every five minutes. In the UK the government has announced that there will be a daily briefings providing updates and there’s a government website dedicated with information for the public so that you can stay updated without falling down a well of media analysis and speculation.
Similarly think how you use social media during this challenging time. I’ve found WhatsApp and Instagram great for keeping in touch with people and it’s lovely having little glimpses into other people’s lives as we hole up from the outside world, but these are also forums where mis-information and panic can spread like wildfire. I am a huge advocate for curated Instagram feeds so think about taking this a sign its time to have a clear out and create yourself a feed that will uplift and inspire you during this tricky time.
Talk it out
Talking about what’s on your mind is one of the best things you can do for your wellbeing. Know the phrase ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’? It’s true. Although we might not be able to connect face to face at the moment there’s nothing stopping us from picking up the phone (or getting on FaceTime) and having those deep conversations that leave us feeling both connected and better about the chaos outside.
Practice Grace
Karma comes back around and you are the energy you put out into the world. I know this is a frustrating time, we all have cabin fever, we’re all disappointed that trips and events have been cancelled/postponed and we are all fearful, but that’s no reason to be a d**k. Isolation is an amazing opportunity to slow down and get in touch with our thoughts and feeling, so if you find yourself getting frustrated and want to let of steam about how unfair it all is or how you don’t think someone else has scarified sufficiently take a moment (I mean you’ve got the time!) and get things into perspective. Check your privilege, visualise the wider community you live within and act with grace. Trust me, you’ll find a lot more peace.
Be Kind (to yourself)
Your life is going to be disrupted. You wont be able to follow your normal routines or habits. Your productivity may not be all that. You probably will feel a bit sh*t. THAT IS TOTALLY OK. At the moment we’re all under a lot of stress and it’s not likely that we’ll all be able to perform the way we might normally. Don’t beat yourself up, change is challenging and as a species we’re not always as flexible as we’d like to think we are. Take the rest you need, practice gratitude and be kind always.