The 2020 Twist
Well, we’re three months into a new decade with our undies in a twist. Coronavirus this, coronavirus that…shops and businesses closing…toilet paper scramble in full swing. Beyond cleaning out drawers and scouring Netflix, many of us find ourselves feeling isolated, shut off, and alone with swirling thoughts, some of them pretty dark. If tangled thoughts keep you awake at night, have you on edge, cause headaches, trigger anxiety, or otherwise affect your well-being, you’re not alone. Honestly, we’re all together in this, even though we’re epically separated right now. It’s a twisted truth.
Meeting threats of danger with anxiety can be healthful and protective, but constant worry can feel terrible, mess with your daily functioning, and lower immunity. So how to deal? Every one of us is different, and we have our own ways of calming ourselves (or not). But one thing is certain. Though we can’t control everything, we’re absolutely in charge of our own ways of responding. There are a few strategies to balance our collective jitters with calming choices and self-care. (Hey, they aren’t hokey if they work.)
1. Think of a time when you feel relaxed. What do you do? Listen to music maybe, take deep breaths, chat with a friend, read a book, lift weights, bake bread…whatever says “relaxed” to you, do that. Even if you don’t feel especially calm, do it anyway and send yourself the signal that things are okay. It really will help.
2. Accept that you’re feeling a little worried and unsure. It’s very human and very okay. An extra dose of self-acceptance and self-reassurance is never a bad thing.
3. Have a cookie. Or a nap. Take care of yourself every day.
4. Get outside if you can. Increased exposure to sunlight and fresh air has been shown to increase brain health and cognition, which will help sustain you. This is especially critical in stressful times.
5. Look for reasons to be grateful. It’s easy to focus on what’s wrong, but paying attention to what’s right is good for your brain and your soul.
6. Check in with someone. Call, text, FaceTime, offer an ear, offer your time, have a laugh. We all need double helpings of support right now, and you can make someone else’s day by reaching out.
7. Limit social media and try not to binge-watch news. Scary headlines grab attention and make money, but they don’t tell the whole story––and so much of the information circulating is inaccurate. Give yourself and your growing anxiety a break.
8. We’re all mid-storm in the same jumbled boat. You might as well create a comfortable space for yourself until we reach clearer, calmer waters.