Faith is a place of mystery, where we find the courage to believe in what we cannot see and the strength to let go of our fear of uncertainty. - Brené Brown
When COVID-19 first started spreading earlier this year, many of us felt uncertainty and fear. Now, as the year draws to a close, many of us are still left with a sense of anticipation.
At the start of the pandemic, you may have gone from working in an office to working remotely. Your kids may have switched to online schooling. Stores, restaurants, and many other businesses had to close down, and some of them have yet to reopen.
Despite being months into this worldwide health crisis, uncertainty is still at an all-time high — so, the question is, how do we cope?
Take Breaks From the News and Social Media
Many of us check the news multiple times throughout the day. The desire to stay up to date on current events — especially during a pandemic — is reasonable and responsible.
However, too much negativity can lead to anxiety and stress and will only increase your feelings of uncertainty. Limit yourself from checking the news too frequently, and take consistent breaks from the negativity.
The same thing goes for social media. Many of us have turned to social media to stay connected during the pandemic. It’s a wonderful thing to stay connected, and social media platforms offer an easy way to do so. But too much social media can quickly become a burden on your mental health. Don’t hesitate to take breaks from social media if it’s making you feel worse.
Take Time for Self-Care
Self-care is always important, but the pandemic has proven just how vital it is. Being stuck at home all the time and having limited social contact isn’t good for humans. It makes many of us feel scared, lonely, and anxious about the future.
By taking time to practice self-care, you can alleviate some of your stress. If you’ve been quarantining with your family, take time to give yourself an hour of separation every day. Read a book, go for a walk, or relax and unwind alone. Self-care won’t solve everything, but it will make your anxiety a little more bearable throughout the day.
Focus on What You Can Do Right Now
When the pandemic first hit, people lost jobs, got sent home from school, and felt unsure about many things. It’s easy to fall into a rabbit hole of what-ifs. What if I get laid off? What if COVID-19 never goes away?
Instead of focusing on the things that are entirely out of your control, focus on the things — however small — that you still have a say over. Even if the distant future isn’t crystal clear, the near future is. The decisions you make today will inevitably have a positive impact when the distant future does roll around.
By focusing on what you can control, you will feel better about the things that are a little hazy right now. Remember, the pandemic will eventually pass — your life won’t be on hold forever.
Consider Therapy to Cope With Anxiety and Uncertainty
It’s not easy to cope with anxiety. The very basis of anxiety lies in irrational fear and worry. Coupled with a pandemic, anxiety has become twice as hard for people to bear.
If you struggle to cope with feelings of anxiety or uncertainty, consider seeking out a therapist. The pandemic came on quickly and left many of us scrambling to find the right answers. It’s okay to acknowledge that you don’t know the best course of action.
A therapist can help you cope with your feelings of uncertainty. You don’t have to pause your life permanently because of the pandemic. Your therapist can help you take the right steps to move forward.
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COVID-19 has upended many of our lives, but we don’t have to relinquish all control. Take the first step and reach out to me today to take back some control in your life. Click here to book your first appointment.
