Coping During Corona

In times like these where there is worldwide panic about something we can’t see but affects our everyday lives, we have to change our perspective on how we view life. “daRona” virus (as I like to call it), has caused so much heartache these last couple of months for the whole world. Postponed graduations, weddings and travel, loss of employment and the ultimate price…loss of lives. Words cannot express the feelings I wake up with most mornings, not knowing what I will see on the news or social media. The anxiety this Pandemic is causing in my life forced me to take control of my feelings, no way am I going to allow this thing to break my spirit. I have too many people counting on me. That is why it is so important especially during this time of uncertainty that you take control of your own feelings. Here are some things that I have to do, in order to keep my inner peace.

Pray:

I have always been a prayer. I pray every day, all throughout the day, but during these times, I make a conscious effort to wake up and the first thing out of my mouth is “Thank you Lord for waking me up this morning. Today, I ask you for continued peace. Please protect my friends and family in Jesus name. Amen.” Prayer is a comfort to me because I know that when no one else understands how I am feeling, God does.

Take Deep Breaths:

When you feel yourself starting to drift into deep thoughts about things you cannot control, try taking a few deep breaths. This always helps me to refocus my energy. Allowing the oxygen to flow into my lungs clears out the stuffiness in my head, allowing me to slow down.

Put Down Your Phone:

Like me, I am sure you get the bulk of your news from social media. I used to say that I will not watch the news because it’s depressing but I soon realized that social media can be an overload of depressing news. We have to pay attention to how things we see on TV and on social media affect our mental health. UNPLUG…even if it is just for a few hours. It will make a world of difference.

Get Some Fresh Air:

Sit outside; go for a walk or a bike ride. Sunlight and fresh air are good for you. In this time of social distancing, it is important to get out of the house when we can. I don’t mean go over to your friend’s house and have a party, I mean let the sun kiss your skin and take in the summer breeze. I have found that sitting on my patio, listening to music, talking with my husband and having a glass of wine helps me to relieve stress.

Read a Book:

Taking your mind off the negative energy that seems to be lingering these days is important. Reading a book allows your mind to be in another place, so choose something interesting to you. I joined a virtual book club and this allowed me to have something to look forward to each week, while also giving me the opportunity to spend time with others. I must admit that it was almost as fun as meeting in person and the plus…no cleanup afterwards.

Finish a Project or Take up a Hobby:

If you are able to, take some time to focus on a project that you have been meaning to finish and just never had the time. This can be anything from organizing a closet; to taking a painting class, the sky is the limit. The point is to be creative and maybe you will find something you will enjoy doing even after this pandemic is over. You never know, it may be the beginning of a newfound passion.

Exercise:

During a time of uncertainty, especially when there is a health pandemic, we have to remain active. I know it’s so easy to not do anything because we are tired of being tired, but trust me…getting up to take a 30 minute walk will do your body good. Even if it is just 3 times a week, it’s better than nothing. Exercise builds your immune system and we can use all the help we can get since our government could care less about us, we have to take care of ourselves. We all we got!

These are just a few tips that have helped me get through these trying times. I hope that they can help you navigate through this as well. The possibilities are endless. The end goal is to find things that bring you joy and keep your spirits lifted; Lord knows we need it. So until we get through this, BE BLESSED, STAY SAFE, WEAR YOUR MASK and practice SOCIAL DISTANCING while…

Living BLOUNT-ly