After several months of isolating, we may find that our time of lying low has made us feel differently.
We will be grieving lost opportunities. For example, we may feel sad about the milestones we had planned on celebrating (graduations, weddings, etc). We have missed getting together with friends, or attending gatherings, traveling, etc. We may have lost our jobs and our financial security. It is important to acknowledge our losses.
We may also find that we are feeling more emotional than normal. Perhaps we have been at home and with family members more than we are used to and in some ways that has been difficult. We may feel anger, resentment, agitation, stress, or anxiety. We may not feel like we have a healthy outlet for our feelings. Perhaps we have been alone too much and feel lonely or depressed.
We may also feel unsafe and insecure. How do we reengage with daily public life? How will we regain any feeling of security about our safety? What are the best practices to keep ourselves and others safe?
We may feel out of control. As mentioned, our plans were changed in a blink. Without forewarning, our lives have been altered. We may feel at a loss which may make us feel afraid or anxious. If we are a trauma survivor, we may find feelings of PTSD increase.
We may feel guilty that others are suffering while we are merely being inconvenienced. When we compare our situations with some who are really hurting, we may find ourselves unable to enjoy what we have.
So what can we do to stay mentally healthy?
Meditate to get in touch with what is going on inside. Surrender to the unraveling and unknowing of this time. Spending time in contemplation does recharge our soul and gives us the tools to deal with our situation.
Breathe consciously to feel what we are feeling; to lean into whatever is. The end of suffering is to accept what is.
Counseling – a therapist can help us get in touch with our feelings and learn to deal with them. Relationships are struggling because of this pandemic. You can use therapy to learn tools that make for better relationships with our loved ones and ourselves.
Gratitude is powerful – Make a daily list of five specific, small things you are grateful for. You will find that a regular practice of gratitude will make your outlook more positive.
Eat well – good, nutritious, alkaline, satisfying food will lift our mood, stabilize our emotional state and make us feel more optimistic.
Sleep enough – stressful situations require more processing and sleep is an effective way to process.
Exercise daily – find a way to move your body daily. Feelings are just energy that get trapped in our body. Moving our body helps break up and release feelings that no longer are serving us.
Get outside – fresh air alone can help change our perspective. Cope through calming activities – gardening, building a puzzle, playing a family game, reading, even doing laundry. Find what makes you feel calm, and take time to do things that help you focus on the moment and find joy.
Be social – contact friends and family even if you cannot be with them.
Serve others – as we know, looking out for others, lifts our mood and makes us feel more positive.
Counseling and Telehealth in Boca Raton
Please feel free to contact Elizabeth Pankey-Warren for counseling to help you feel like your best self: 561/866-6607.