This pandemic has caused all of us to question what’s most meaningful in our lives. While this is an extremely stressful time, feeling overwhelmed sometimes forces us to refocus. You may be able to use this time to consider what is most meaningful for you. Whether it’s relationships, activities, or ways you care for yourself or others.
Focusing on Family
Maybe extra time for family members – whether it’s those in your household or someone you can connect with by phone, video, or text. It doesn’t have to be a long conversation- reach out just to say “hi”
Seeking out old Friends,
Is there someone in your life that you haven’t spoken to in a long time?
Reach out and ask them how they’re going. Many people are seeking out connections right now, and it’s a great time to reconnect.
Working on Existing Friendships
Time is a difficult time for everyone.
Reach out to your friends more than you normally would.
Make time for just checking in whether it’s by phone, video, or text.
Taking Time for Self-Care
The pandemic is affecting everyone in different ways, but everyone is affected somehow.
Make sure you take more time than usual to take care of yourself: with exercise, with a guilty pleasure, with a fun or relaxing project, or anything else that nourishes you.
Helping others
Once you’ve met your own needs, offer your help to others.
Do you have a neighbour or acquaintance who could use help?
Or consider donating to a community group or non-profit that you think is doing a good job of helping others affected by the pandemic.
Focus on the Present Moment
Feeling cooped up? Anxious or worried?
Take a few moments to focus all of your attention on what’s going on right now – in the present moment.
Try to take time to be fully present – giving your full attention to what’s happening in this very moment.
Being Gentle with Yourself!
A pandemic like this creates anxiety for everyone. You might be surprised how much energy it takes to worry about things like this.
So take it easy on yourself. It’s ok to not be at your best right now.
Recording your Thoughts
This may not seem like a time you particularly want to remember, but there are many benefits to journaling in stressful times. Writing down how you are feeling can help you process your emotions. Keep a brief journal, and in its share how you are feeling.
Recording the ups and downs of each day can also help you reflect on your total experience, not just the hard parts.
Pressing Pause
For many people, this crisis has made things more difficult than they were before. For all of us, at least a few things have been put on “pause”. This can feel frustrating, but like any change in life, it may allow you to look at things from another angle. Consider whether there are any parts of this new experience that highlights “pauses “in your life. Are there any parts of this “pause “that are good? It could be you are feeling less stressed about getting places. Or maybe you are getting more space from a difficult relationship. Journal about any pauses that feel OK, or even better for you.
Filler Feelings
This period can leave you feeling strapped for time, making the few moments you have free feel extra precious. Think beforehand about how you want to spend that time and what emotions you want to feel during it. Too often we use this “filler “time to check the news (again) or do a chore that can feel stressful.
Consider using it to meditate, read an article you are interested in, colour, rest, or cook.
Gratitude
With everything that’s going on in the world around us, it can be easy to lose sight of the people and things that support, inspire, and relax you.
Take a few moments to keep a gratitude journal. Make a short note each day of at least one or two things you’re grateful for in your life. Who or what do you feel gratitude for?
Live your values!
What matters most to you? Is it kindness? Freedom? Success?
There are probably many things you are already doing to live your values. Make a list of everything you’ve done today and ask yourself how your actions reflect what is most important to you. Even the most menial tasks often reflect your larger values!
Storytelling
Sharing stories can be a powerful device for finding meaning. Storytelling can unite us with others and impart wisdom and hope.
Reading, listening, and watching others’ stories can help you relax and make sense of the world around you.
Take time to write down your own story with a beginning, middle, and end. Writing a story can help you better understand your own experiences and make you feel connected if you choose to share your story with others.
Create Art
If you are finding it difficult to express yourself with words, you may want to try drawing, painting, dancing, creating music, or doing any activity that gets you making something with your hands or body.
Creating art can be an outlet for strong feelings and may help you see things from a new perspective.
Ask Big Questions
A world crisis can challenge some of our deepest-held beliefs about the world and our place in it.
It might be difficult to find time for self-reflection, but thinking about larger life questions can help you feel calmer.
Take an attitude of curiosity instead of judgment as you approach confusing topics and remember that it’s okay to not know the answers. A trusted therapist or spiritual leader can help if you feel stuck.
The next blog is continued about…
Know what you want in others
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