Living beyond COVID-19

As we progressed through the pandemic, we were faced with a mass of shifting, confusing challenges. There were many factors to contend with but we thought things would get back to normal. There were vaccination questions, fear of getting sick, financial worries, work issues. Yet, even as we somehow muddled through all that, new viruses came along, covid continued, housing and cost of living issues became a major problem – and the world got ever more complicated.

Our lives have undergone big changes. Work, housing, cost of living and changes in the political world are impacting all of us. The result is often fear, anxiety, despondency and worry about the future.

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I know this sounds like a platitude, but I’m going to say it anyway: Difficult times – as much as we may not welcome them – are a time to increase the use of our positive skills— kindness, patience and mindfulness—even though it feels harder than ever to apply them. We are being challenged to stay grounded, to use our “common sense” and learn to adapt.

The four cornerstones of mental health are good sleep, healthy eating, daily exercise and self-care practices (like hanging out with good friends, reading inspiring books–remember books?–or journalling). Maintaining a regular rhythm for going to bed, getting up, meals and exercise, can make a positive difference in how your nervous system copes with stress.

Experiences such as: irritability, anxiety, feeling easily upset, crying suddenly, feeling wired, flat, depressed, disoriented, disconnected, loss of ability to focus, feeling quickly tired—are to be expected at times of ongoing stress.

Here are some simple things you can do to help yourself and those around you: Take three longer than usual breaths. Sense your breathing, as your lungs expand your rib cage. You could try this right now! It is possible to notice your state of mind and intervene. You do not have to be at the mercy of a wild mind or erratic moods! It only takes a few seconds to give yourself attention and kindness. Remind yourself, feelings are not permanent: they come and go. Frequent, brief  “breathing spaces” can promote a sense of calm.

When you do something you enjoy, you have more resilience for the overall stresses. I need hardly remind anyone about Netflix or Crave! There is also: cooking, reading, exercise, creative work, laughter, playing with kids, outdoor walks, enjoying the natural world, and close time with friends.

We cope better when we share with family and friends. Checking in with each other helps us know “we’re in this together.” We can share experiences and survival tips. When we pull together with a desire to be kind and gentle with each other, we help everyone.

Continuing to express our gratitude for all the ways our world works for us and we can work for it, is also helpful. Giving gratitude has been shown to help the giver as much as the receiver.

Below are a few more “staying sane” tips:

Staying Sane tips:

• Acknowledge your shifting experience: accept it with compassion (kindness). Remind yourself: “This will pass.”

• Maintain healthy routines: sleep, exercise and good food.

• Take time outside, in nature. Lean against a tree or a rock. Look up at the sky. Lie on the earth. Touch the plants and trees. They do not know about your stressful life! Try to stay present to your senses: sight, hearing, smell and touch.

• Remind yourself when you feel alone, “Right now, millions of others feel this way. We are all in this together.” Try sending your love to those millions, and remember to include yourself! It may help, you, at least.

• If you notice your emotional life is more erratic or intense, that’s normal. Strong emotions will pass sooner, especially if you give them room. Breath with them and acknowledge what you feel. Have a good cry. Ask a friend to give you five minutes “to rant” (but stick to the timer!) You may then feel more able to turn to your life again.

• Take time to notice what you need. Ask for what you need and ask others what kind of support they need. If you can’t provide it, help them think about how to get help. Generosity toward others relieves everyone of isolation.

• Practice gratitude: giving thanks for small or “large” things—a small blue flower in the grass, a friend you trust!

• Remind yourself: My effort makes a difference. Everyone’s caring matters greatly now (actually it always did, we just don’t necessarily realize that).

• Think about how best to support your social needs, individually or in groups. Consider which social media are helpful to your wellbeing and stick to those.

• Use reliable news sources. Think critically: beware scams, trolls, misinformation and disinformation.

• Practice kindness and patience with yourself and others.