It’s no secret that our lives have been significantly disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Activities and routines that once gave us a sense of control, purpose, and pleasure have been impacted one way or another. Perhaps you’re even feeling anxious and/or depressed.
Let’s check-in…
How are you taking care of yourself physically?
Are you eating (healthy) regularly?
What about exercise?
Are you getting adequate sleep?
Taking care of yourself is important because it helps your body and mind to handle stress better.
Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt like there were “butterflies” in your stomach? What about racing thoughts or pounding heart? How about sweaty palms or rapid breathing?
If so, your body may be signaling to you that it senses a threat. It doesn’t matter whether the threat is real or perceived since your autonomic nervous system takes over. This is what we call the fight, flight, or freeze response. I won’t go into detail here, but if you’re interested in learning more about The Fight, Flight, Freeze Response - click here to watch a short video.
Let’s get distracted…
Let’s try to shift our thoughts from the things that make us feel anxious or depressed to things that can:
give us some relief;
give our heart and mind a break;
and help us get through these uncertain times
I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase …
When life gives you lemons…(yep, you’ve got it)…make lemonade!
While that’s certainly a metaphorical way to change your viewpoint from negative to positive, I bet you wouldn’t want to drink lemonade for the rest of your life. Consistent hydration with lemonade could even have adverse and painful effects on your body.
So, keep in mind that while distractions can be helpful, we should be cautious to not use them for an extended period. If you find that you need distractions to avoid feeling your emotions, then please reach out to a licensed professional counselor who can help you determine if there are underlying issues that may need to be resolved.
Let’s consider some activities…
Indoor Activities: read (download books from the New York public library free), draw, paint, listen to music, watch a movie, write in a journal, knit/crochet, do a puzzle, play a game with family, clean or organize something, learn a new skill, bake something, enjoy a virtual symphony with the North Carolina Orchestra (use password 1932)
Outdoor Activities: go for a walk, run, walk your dog, do some gardening, swim, go hiking, go biking
Social Activities: Call a friend, hang out with a friend (on Zoom or Facetime), contact a family member, have a virtual party, and watch a movie on Netflix - even chat with friends (click here for the free streaming Netflix party).
Okay, let’s make a plan…
What’s one thing you can do to take care of yourself physically today?
Choose at least one activity (indoor, outdoor, or social) and do it today.
If this has been helpful, drop me a note in the blog or on Facebook. Let me know about your plan and if you have done any other helpful activities. If you’re still feeling overwhelmed with anxiety, feel free to contact me at 972-761-5800 for a free 15-minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to someone that can help. If you are looking for help with anxiety and depression, you can read more about how I can help here.
So do not fear, I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your, God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10