Man is a creature that can get accustomed to anything, and I think that is the best definition of him.
Fyodor Dostoevsky
How are you coping with the recent developments in COVID-19?
Are you feeling anxious about where we’re headed? Do you find social distancing daunting and don’t know how to adapt to this challenging way of living?
What seems even worse is that we don’t know how long we must live this way.
That uncertainty makes us anxious and worried.
So, how do we deal with uncertainty in a time of fear and chaos?
We deal with it like any other life crisis we have had in the past: we focus on things we can control.
And, as individuals, what we can control now (and the single best thing we can do) is stop the spread of the virus through social distancing. (See below image credit: BBC)
Along with it, there are several things we can focus on.
Here comes number one on the list.
Stop Complaining!
Some of us might feel a tad resentful at the restrictions imposed on us and begrudging the time we have to spend indoors.
But we also know from our personal experience that extreme circumstances call for extreme measures.
And unfortunately, the outbreak of a pandemic called for such measures on a global scale.
So, don’t waste time complaining about losing personal freedom in times like this; that’s just plain silly, and you know it.
Be Grateful
We aren’t living in the Middle Ages with gritty bread to ruin our teeth or water to make us sick.
Nor are we being forced into a concentration camp where hard labour and starvation await.
No, we’re safely tucked in our very comfortable home with a variety of food, clean water, electricity, and internet access 24/7.
There are millions of books downloadable in seconds, inspirational videos to watch, indoor exercise videos to keep fit, countless online lessons to learn a new skill, and social media, Skype, and Zoom to stay in touch with friends and family.
No matter what we go through, our ancestors had it worse and, most importantly, came out of it.
And We’ll Come Out of This Too
No one knows the full scale of the impact this crisis will have on the economy. But if there is one thing history teaches us, it’s this:Â
When there’s down, there’s up.
Nothing is permanent. Nothing is static.
The acute threats to the way we live from this pandemic will be history too.
The Right Attitude
Join the doomsayers: you’ll likely live in a perpetual state of anxiety, stress, and worry.
And those negative feelings reinforce themselves and make matters worse in your mind: you act irrationally and waste time and energy on the wrong things, such as stockpiling food and toilet paper!
Have faith that this is another blip (or test, if you like) in our existence, and we’ll live through it and come out stronger.
Be rational and calm.
And know how your actions (from buying food as usual to spreading good messages) can influence others positively.
Feed Your Mind Right
Sensationalised headlines we read in the media don’t represent what makes the world go round in the right direction.
For every one or two unspeakable behaviours like spiting in others’ faces or hosting a barbecue party on the beach during the pandemic (duh! ), there are thousands of good samaritans, who sign to help the vulnerable with food and medicine or chat with people who may feel lonely.
Avoid being glued to the TV throughout the day. Instead, join the social media movement promoting collective efforts to help the community.
It’ll instill the “we’re in this together” mindset and encourage you to help others in any way you can.
What You Wished You Had More
Remember all the things you wanted to do but couldn’t because you didn’t have time?
For so long, you’ve worked 5 days to trade with 2 days’ rest.
Now you have seven days’ rest. It’s heaven. You finally have time to do things you’ve always wanted to.
Maybe it’s writing a book, starting a blog, learning a new language or a musical instrument, spending quality time with family, or chatting more with family on the other side of the planet.
When this crisis is over (as it sure will! ), you’ll look back and be glad you made the most of what you have today.
Look After Your Body
Your physical health has a significant impact on how you feel, so be mindful of the food and drinks you consume; too much of it will make you feel worse, so make exercise a daily habit.
If you get bored with exercise routines easily, this YouTube channel called Body Project has jam-packed, varied routines you’ll love.
Here’s one I like at the moment:
Final Thoughts
Perhaps the only saving grace of this sudden pandemic sweeping the globe is that we’re in it together and that children seem to be less affected by it.
Other than that, it’s the daily disruption that is an initial shock to our system.
Once we get over it, it’s just a matter of time before we adapt to the new way of living and make the most of it because we’re the most adaptable species on earth.
Focus on what you can control now. Look after yourself and others by staying apart.
We’ll get through this together.
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