Being Our Best Selves During COVID-19
I’ve been focused on NOT letting 2020 become a year to endure – instead making the best of what we have. Following are thoughts and actions we can practice to bring some positive to this time we live in.
Face the reality and acknowledge our emotions— Some leaders want to shut everything down. Others see this as not a big deal, it will pass. We need to be realistic – this is a painful situation, people get sick, some die, this is becoming a long drawn out experience, and there is a financial hit for business and families.
Listen intently— especially to the immediate people around us. Be more patient, recognizing that people may be reacting from fear. Figure out what they are fearful of and offer them empathy and support.
Ask questions— It shows you’re paying attention. Questions also allow us to find out what’s really going on. You may learn something. Take the extra time we have to question and listen to the people you are close with.
Show you care— Little things can matter. Be nice. Handwritten notes are welcome. Send a game, puzzles, diamond painting kit, etc. to family and friends.
We can gain a sense of control by following the advice of public health experts. Know the signs of the virus, use proper procedures, physical distance…not social distance.
Communicate with people at work— Organize a virtual coffee time, social activities. Check if people are doing ok. Remind them of your EAP benefit. Be flexible with when work gets done.
Make time for yourself— Walk around the block, meditate, read a good book, play your Xbox.
Use your social support system— Zoom with people you care about, it’s the next best thing.
Stay informed with what’s going on in the world— Don’t overdo it. Psychologists found in a study after 9/11 – people who watched cable news day and night had more post-traumatic stress than those who were actually there.
Set boundaries— If we have people around us who are negative, worry too much – minimize contact with them. Let them know you’ll get back to them later. Empathize and say “I’m taking a break from bad news for a while.”
Be realistic— This is not the time to be perfect. Practice forgiveness, self-compassion; you’re doing the best you can in difficult times.
Prioritize healthy choices— eat properly, get enough sleep, physical activity, don’t binge watch TV.
Maintain physical health— use that equipment sitting in the spare bedroom, take a walk, fire up your FitBit and set goals for steps.
Reconnect with things you enjoy— Hobbies, music, gardening, puzzles. One friend is taking online embroidery lessons, another picked up his trumpet from high school and has reconnected with music.
Look for ways to help others— Meals on wheels needs volunteers – it can be just one hour/week.
See it as a challenge to get through 2020— Take courses, appreciate having more time with family, catch up on good shows/documentaries. Looking at a scrapbook, I found a great picture of my cousin when he was a HS quarterback. His wife met him after college and never saw him excelling in this sport. I mailed the picture to him, which led to a fun hour on the phone reconnecting.
Be kind to yourself— Pay attention to the way we talk to ourselves, be gentle.
And finally, humor– we can’t get enough of it!
