Life in the Time of Covid-19
While we establish localized communities, cultures and connections with others that hold similar beliefs, values, and interests we also have a collective consciousness that permeates cultural differences and boundaries.
Never in our lives have we experienced something so global and universal that we share the same thoughts and feelings with those around us creating a more tightly woven collective consciousness that permeates cultural differences and boundaries. I have never seen a greater example of how the human race can have such a ubiquitous experience.
During the time of this global pandemic, many of us have been scared, paranoid, or paralyzed in what to do. At the same time, I have also seen how we have connected with family and loved ones while we quarantine together. As I speak to clients and others about their experiences over the last couple of months, I’m finding that we share common trends of thoughts, feelings and ways of managing this vast adjustment.
Therefore; I thought it would be pertinent to share these experiences with others about coping with this time. I will list and explain various methods and strategies that have been helpful to others, and I encourage you to engage in these if you find yourself struggling with this change.
Find a new project:
Whether it is something similar to what you have done in the past, or developing something you’ve never tried before, take some time to work on a new hobby or craft. Personally, I have started baking, strangely, and found that I am capable of making some pretty tasty treats. I even attempted making the elusive macaron, what is sometimes considered tricky by many amateur chefs. They actually turned out rather well too. Whatever you may try, consider it something that you will enjoy and will occupy your time. The purpose of this is to funnel that anxiety from being cooped up into something constructive and meaningful for you.
Use your creativity:
The amount of artwork or music that will be developed during this time is likely to be interesting and heartfelt. Creativity is an outlet for emotional expression, and we certainly have been feeling emotional lately. Whether that is getting cranky with your kids, angst from feeling locked up, or the joy in getting to finally spend time together, many of us have felt strongly about this experience. Let’s find a couple of ways to express this through our own creativity. Some examples may include painting, writing poetry, journaling, making music, or simply finding the best way to design your home in Animal Crossing. Whatever the medium, expressing yourself is important right now.
Find ways to engage socially:
I provide counseling services to a number of people that struggle with social anxiety. These individuals will tend to avoid these situations and will retreat into isolation at times. However, in some sense of cruel irony, they will also tend to get rather lonely while they’re at it. This loneliness is a subjective feeling of disconnection from others, and does not speak to how others really feel about them. Therefore, it is important that we all find ways to maintain our connections to one another. Be sure to call your grandmother, Skype with your classmates, or have those regular Zoom calls with coworkers. Stay in contact, and talk about what your experiences are like. Even further, if you have experienced hardship financially or in your career as a result, reach out for help from those who can help you.
Remember that you are not alone in this:
Do you recall a time in your life when you felt like nobody understood you or what you were going through at the time? It’s very possible that you were right, and you were misunderstood, or maybe others did but you didn’t realize it. Either way, this adjustment we are making is not a challenge that you are facing by yourself. We are having rather ordinary responses to extraordinary situations. What you feel in response to this is likely normal in some regards. Don’t forget that.
Stay informed, but not too much:
There are many precautions being taken right now. Wearing masks, washing your hands, or maintaining 6 feet of “social distancing” are guidelines that are constantly being sent out through news or other outlets. These are important and we need to remain aware of what is recommended. However, some of the things you may see on television or read on the internet can be stressful or infuriating. Some of it may make no sense or seem like extreme behaviors. As a result, sometimes we have to just turn the TV off or stop reading so much news. To inundate ourselves with information can inadvertently cause us to get overwhelmed by it.
These are just a few of the many strategies that have been helpful to others. Whether one, all, or none of these are beneficial to you, look for what works. Some people get by through meditation, yoga, or other practices. Others distract themselves by looking at memes or making theories about what the heck happened to Carole Baskins’ husband. No matter what, take action in some way to help yourself through this, and then to help others where you can. We are indeed all in this together. Although the world may look different afterward, we are capable of enduring it if we try.
-Joshua K. Taylor, LCSW
We hope you enjoyed this blog post. Please share your experiences in the comment section below. It may just help someone.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with Josh or any of our other great clinicians we are all providing Telehealth Counseling Services at this time. Please visit the link below for more information on Telehealth and contact us to schedule your first appointment.