Need more suggestions on how to deal with the pandemic? Here are some more:
Look, there is no doubt that the current pandemic is scary- both in terms of health and economics. Other than war, illness, and economic uncertainty stretch our ability to support our assumptions about how life should go. We need predictability in order to take risks and grow. This may sound contradictory but, think about it. Some sense of security allows us to try new things, create, and grow. What’s happening now with the global pandemic is the opposite of predictable or secure.
Right now, there’s less and less structure to my daily life. I find myself reminding myself what day it is since I can’t see my patients at the office.
Remember- the game is resilience. We’re well suited to carry on if we problem-solve the situation.
So, the thing to do is schedule your day- not too tightly, but with tasks that are necessary (usual chores), those you tend to put off (clean that closet, go through those old photos and label & organize them), and those that bring you joy (movies, board games, good old conversation, and a little physical affection). And, by all means, take a short nap or just get off you’re feet- stress like this (chronic) is exhausting over time. Absolutely exercise- walk, find exercise videos on You Tube, etc. If you enjoy it, cook new recipes, which you can plan and shop for. You’ll be surprised at how gratifying this can be and it’s cheaper. Eat with whoever you live with- make sure this happens- human contact and socializing even if electronically, is essential to your mental health and the durability of your immune system.
Be careful with how much you watch, listen or read the news. Since it’s necessarily repetitious, you can keep up without having it in the background. Bad news is just that and we can tolerate only so much at a time.
Finally, while some near-term planning is in order (buying food, medicines, etc), long-term planning probably needs to be done later. Worrying about the future will only heighten your anxiety. And, complaining won’t help, will it? We don’t know how long this will last. Therefore, focus on today- how you’ll use the time, who’ll you’ll call or text, etc. (make sure it’s several people everyday). Part of our resilience comes from sustained connection.
We will get through this although probably not totally unscathed. This isn’t the Great Depression or World War 2. Our parents and grandparents got through those times; we will get through these.
Stay well, stay focused, and use your time wisely.
