In this COVID19 crisis, we are living through such strange, uncertain events. We’re now part of a generation that is living through momentous times. Future generations will look back and wonder
“How did they cope?”
in the same way, we wonder how people coped during wars, bombings and famine.
COVID19 crisis is challenging
There is no doubt, we’re all experiencing a range of difficult emotions and different challenges. Some people are working crazy hours, some people have no jobs and are wondering how to pay the rent or mortgage. Everybody feeling the pressure, from carers trying to make decisions as to whether to continue with home help, or stop to reduce the risk of infection, to when is the best time to go to the shops to avoid infection and the queues.
We go though different emotions
Experts say we go through different stages, as we try to make sense of what’s going on. Initially we’re in denial, then we resist, then we start looking for alternatives, then we finally make peace with the change.
The image below shows these stages very clearly. The only point I would make is I don’t think we move in one direction only. We can go back and forth through the stages. I know I often do.
Be kind to your self
So it’s no wonder, we find ourselves less organised, less productive, maybe drinking more. We’re still using emotional energy trying to make sense of it all. Plus there’s all the extra practical stuff, taking time to wash our hands constantly, queuing to buy groceries, cleaning down groceries. All that extra cleaning. Online calls and meetings are much more tiring than face to face meetings. So we need to be kind to ourselves and not expect too much of ourselves.
Look at your self care routine
I find keeping a different routine of self-care really helpful. So instead of meditating at night I now meditate in the morning, because it helps get rid of that stressful feeling I wake up with.
With the weather getting better, I now do Tai Chi in the garden during my work breaks. (I’m sure it gives my neighbours a great laugh, this mad yoke doing weird movements in the garden!)
Find a new self-care routine that works for you. A routine that also makes clear how and when you drink. For example, not drinking before 8pm. sticking to 2 standard drinks each time you drink. Days when you won’t drink.
An Easter thought
We’re hearing reports that drinks sales have increased substantially. So it might seem like everyone is going mad drinking and anyhow the COVID19 crisis could kill us all off eventually.
But on this Easter Sunday- which has killed more people?
Well to-day, for the very first time, after 4 weeks of lock down restrictions, COVID has finally overtaken alcohol in the number of deaths this year. It shows how dangerous alcohol really is.
So managing our drinking to stay within the low risk guidelines will help to ensure, we’re not one of these death statistics.
