In March 2020, just like everyone else, I found myself in my newest hours of stress and anxiety brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. When the lock-down was first announced, my mind started a desperate race against itself, asking the following
questions:
- Will we retain our jobs and continue to provide for the family?
- How will my family members all continue our respective work/ study schedules?
- Will we and the people we know and love stay healthy?
- Will groceries, toilet paper and hand sanitizer be available?
I thought the pandemic may prolong and get worse, but recognized the stress and anxiety that I was in already. Well, if anything, age and experience bring with it a certain wisdom, and I vowed not to let the anxiety overpower me. I endeavored to do some combination of the following at the end of every long day:
– Watch a little bit of humor. I pick up funny clips from YouTube and watch them for kicks.The adage “Laughter is the best medicine” does ring very true.
– Try to get in a little bit of outdoors time and exercise. I am not an equipment person, so exercise to me has meant stretches in the basement, or following little seven to ten minute exercise routines that are so easily available off the web, or yard work. When I have a chance I do try to walk outside to get some fresh air, to observe birds chirping and to see yards bursting with summer colors.
– Listen to music. While I have always listened to song tracks, I have also more recently started listening to instrumental music, it helps me sleep better.
– Find ways to engage with society in a positive way. Meaningful interactions with others results in a sense of belonging and calm.
– Solve crossword puzzles or play easy card games with my son – it is my time to bond with him in a way that he enjoys.
– Listen to podcasts. Sometimes I listen to intelligent podcasts, at night meditation podcasts are a great way to get a good nights sleep.
These small indulgences and activities remind me everyday that there is much to be grateful for. Sometimes I cannot control the situation in which I am in, but I can attempt to control my reactions to it. If I recognize my feelings in time and address them in little ways, I may not push myself to the brink of a breakdown again.
By
Veena Jagannath