We are all going through a difficult time of uncertainty and fear. The daily news of the infection spread and increasing death rates, are further adding to the anxiety.
Fear seems to be the dominant emotion. And we act out this fear in different ways - some choose to shut themselves out and become insensitive to what's happening around them, some become over protective of their loved ones, some try their best to control the situation by rendering help in every possible way, while others end up finding faults with the system, the government and go on a perpetual rant. There is no right or wrong way of approaching this. These are just our individual autopilot responses of coping with the situation. I feel it's important we understand this and be more gentle with ourselves and others. Less judgement and more acceptance is the need of the hour.
In this post I want to share some ways in which you can manage your anxiety, and maybe even stay enthusiastic, through these uncertain times :
1. Know that, it's ok to not be ok : Let go of the need to feel good always. It's ok to feel sad, angry, frustrated, helpless etc. Instead of judging and labeling your feelings, as good or bad, just accept them, and learn to work with them. I have mentioned the technique of ‘RAIN’ that I learnt from Tara Brach, a meditation teacher, in my earlier post on "Resilience”. I use it a lot, when I am experiencing difficult emotions. In case you missed reading that, here is a quick recap on the technique. RAIN is an acronym for
R : Recognise
A : Allow
I : Investigate
N : Nurture
First, recognise the presence of the difficult emotion. Name it if you can. Is it fear, worry, anxiety? Naming an emotion can bring more clarity on what you are experiencing.
Next, allow it to be present instead of trying to change it into something else or ignoring it.
Then, investigate where you feel the emotion in the body. Reflect on what the emotion is trying to tell you?
And finally, nurture, by asking yourself what you need to feel better. And do that.
Going through a difficult emotion in a step by step manner like this, can help you better process what you are going through and help you stay emotionally strong.
2. Dabble with a new skill : If you have the luxury of time, then look at learning something new. Picking up a new skill can keep your mind positively engaged.
I am currently learning to play the keyboard. While I am terrible at it, I find that it's a good outlet to focus my attention.
Today, there are innumerable hobby courses offered on online platforms such as Udemy, at reasonable costs. You can explore and see if something interests you.
3. Be part of online communities that have people with similar interests as you : With governments imposing lockdown in most cities, it has become impossible to meet anyone. Being part of a community of people with similar interests, can help you stay enthusiastic about things that matter to you.
4. Stay connected with your family & friends: If there is one thing I have learnt in this pandemic, it is that, relationships are to be nurtured & enjoyed as our time on earth is limited.
I do video call with my parents & siblings almost every day and with very close friends atleast once a week. It feels good to check in on people that matter.
If you have been neglecting your family or friends, then now is a good time to re-establish & strengthen your connections with them.
5. Having a daily spiritual practice : In uncertain times, setting some kind of a positive daily routine can help you feel more stable & grounded.
This could be gratitude Journaling or a meditation practice, or reciting slokas or listening to music with positive vibrations. Anything that resonates with you & that you can stay consistent with can prove helpful.
6. Learn to slow down : Many of us need to consciously learn to dial down and take it easy. Now, is probably not the right time for setting very aggressive goals.
Setting meaningful goals towards which you can take baby steps each day is a far better approach that can help you feel like you are moving forward but without feeling pressured or stressed.
7. Philosophy & reflection : This has always been my "go to" during trying times. I like to reflect on deep thoughts and journal them down. It's like my higher self talking to me and giving me guidance. Some ideas & beliefs that have helped me are :
A. Things don't happen "to you". Things happen "for you". Look for the lesson because every experience has one. ( This idea helps me look at life from a growth perspective )
B. What you focus on grows stronger. Fear or faith. You choose. ( This belief helps me focus on the positives and be more grateful )
C. Ask yourself, “how can I grow through this?” ( Growth perspective again )
D. If it's out of your hand, it deserves freedom from your mind too. ( This helps me adopt an attitude of surrender and trust the universe that all's for ultimate good)
E. The only way through it, is through it ( This idea gives me the courage to move on, one step at a time )
I hope you find these perspectives useful too.
8. Humour : After philosophy, this is the next best thing that helps keep me in a good mood.
Watching a funny movie or a sitcom, reading a funny book, hanging out (virtually) with friends that make you laugh can help you maintain a light mood.
Personally, I need my daily dose of laughter and am grateful I have friends who help me get that.
9. Get professional help : Last but not the least, in case you have lost a loved one during this ongoing pandemic, then you may find, that nothing works. No matter what practices we have been doing, when something really hard, such as the death of a near or dear one hits us, we can find ourselves feeling severely challenged to cope. Under such a circumstance, consider taking professional help. Take your time to grieve, don't hesitate to ask for help and trust that your pain will heal with time🙏
Did you resonate with my post? Which strategy to tide through the pandemic appealed to you the most and what steps are you taking to keep your sanity and enthusiasm during these unprecedented times? Let me know in comments. I would love to learn from you 💕
Great Thought Process. Adding a few as inspired by yours:
Pandemic has given us once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do things we never found time or circumstances to focus on with active help from family members …..
Make your Home Clutter Free: Clean, Discard things you did not use last 2 years and unlikely to use next 2 years. Organise, Label, sell / donate; Everything has a place and there is a place for everything.
Make your Home a Party Place: Listen to Music, Dance, View Movies – old and new, Play online anthakshari, zoom call with friends …
Make your Home a Temple: Pray, Learn Meditation, Breathing and Yoga Exercises, Join Group Prayers, Clean and Decorate Pooja Area with serene atmosphere. Donate for noble causes like feeding under priveliged and feeding animals and birds.
Make your Home a Learning and Skill Building Place: Technology has made shopping, banking, entertainment, skill building et-all possible. Learn to upgrade digital and other creative skills to get tech savvy. May Read, Learn painting, writing, gardening or any other activity of interest.
Make your Home Culinary Creative Centre: Become a Home Chef; Try new Recipes and create new ones. Share new creative with friends. Enjoy Restaurant-style Food with Food styling.
View this as a once in-a-lifetime opportunity to stay healthy, stay positive in mind set and stay well informed to help others in need.
Make your Home a Cheerful, Lively and connected Home
Need of the hour! Ultimately 7E is what it is. – 'The only way through it, is through it'
I'm assuming you left out the need for regular (some form of) physical activity and eating (along with the daily spiritual practice) because that's so much a part of your/our routine now. But planning for and doing these definitely help relieve anxiety.
I especially appreciate the last point about how much more challenging it is for people who have suffered personal losses. For them, this time can be debilitating-ly crushing. Along with your suggestion to take time to grieve and ask for help, may I add from personal experience –
Anxiety is, by nature, fear of a future possibility.
Recognise it as such. It's only a possibility. The only reality is now. So, stay mindful, stay strong and do what you have to. One step at a time.
Force yourself if you have to, but, every day, eat, engage your mind & body, and sleep.
I also find that writing down things-to-do, thoughts and feelings, clears the mind. You don't have to show it to anyone. You don't need to read it either. Except for the 'to-do' list of course! 😊😬