By Linda Arnold EBS CONTRIBUTOR
Our worlds have been rocked.
As swift changes have been thrust upon us, we’ve all had to
do a lot of adjusting. While we’re continuing to learn about the physical
effects of the COVID-19 virus, what about the mental and emotional effects?
Freedoms take a back seat
As Americans, we’re not used to having our freedoms
restricted. Or being told where we can and cannot go.
Jobs are changing. Incomes are affected. The stock market is
plunging. Schools are closed. Childcare challenges abound. Restaurants, gyms
and many businesses are closed. Travel is prohibited. Events are being
canceled, right and left.
Fear and anxiety are running rampant. You’ve had a couple of
weeks to get used to this “new normal,” at least for the coming weeks or months.
Out of control
First and foremost, we’re driven at a basic level by the
need for safety and security, and to be in control of our lives.
That’s all going out the window with this public health
threat. To help deal with this uncertainty, author Anne Lonsdorf has some
simple strategies:
- Examine and identify your fears.
- Turn “what if” thoughts into “what is”
statements.
- Be aware you can choose your thoughts (which
result in your feelings).
- Focus on what’s going right in your life.
Go for the W.I.N.
A handy technique is WIN. Stop to ask yourself, “What’s
Important Now?” This brings you into the present and helps you focus on what
you can control.
If you’re working remotely—and the kids or grandkids are out
of school—interruptions will persist. Share the load and assign household tasks
to avoid resentment.
Getting organized also helps you feel in control. Catch up
on home projects or cue up that YouTube exercise video. Make a dent in that
stack of books on your nightstand.
Social distancing can even inspire other modes of connecting:
long-neglected phone calls or handwritten notes. Indulge in things that give
you peace of mind like inspirational reading, a hot bath, soothing music or a
walk in nature.
Are we there yet?
We all know this is going to take time. And we don’t know
how long that will be. So, be gentle with yourself.
Crisis situations can bring out the best—and the worst—in us.
Folks may feel threatened and hoard supplies. On the other hand, there’s an
outpouring of support from volunteers.
This crisis is still pretty new. As we settle into the next
few weeks, we’ll be able to see more predictability in our daily lives.
Your self-discovery channel
Too often our inner voices get drowned out by all the noise
in our outer worlds. Take the opportunity to go within during this social
distancing period. You may even stumble onto your own “Self-Discovery Channel.”
By reflecting on what matters most, you’ll be able to look
at your priorities, redefine your values and focus on what you really want to
create in your life. Journaling, meditation and prayer are helpful practices.
I’d like to close with this alternative greeting I learned from
artist Amy Zerner as an option to the “elbow bump” for a safe and spiritual
greeting.
Place your hands in the prayer position and hold to your
heart (yogi style). Rather than the traditional “namaste” greeting, say, “nama-stay-away-from-me.”
Linda Arnold is a syndicated columnist, psychological
counselor and founder of a multistate marketing company. Reader comments are
welcome at linda@lindaarnold.org or
visit lindaarnold.org for information on her books.
