What's you're pandemic story?
The unfortunate thing about having read books during my life time only occurs to me now. In the midst of so much unwanted change and abrupt transitions, I cannot believe how being a consumer of books is setting me up for so much anxiety now. I’m accustomed to being able to read the end of a story, to experience resolution. And yet, I’m finding myself in the middle of a story with no sense of what direction the story is going: tragedy, heroism, drama, death, sickness, pain, happiness, romance. I don’t know. And that not knowing is bringing up so many unwanted emotions and disturbing thoughts.
I don’t know where you’re at in all of this unknown. Are you stuffing it down, avoiding? Or maybe you find yourself yelling at your loved ones more often—you’re angry? We’re all living in the midst of a story with no resolution, no clear plot line.
It makes sense we might be feeling more anxious as our thoughts try to fill in the ending of this current chapter of pandemic. Anxiety can show up in many different ways. It looks like: worst-case thinking, difficulty relaxing, indecision, increased heart rate, irritability/aggression, sleep troubles, excessive planning, digestive issues. Depression can also creep in during these collective times of stress or trauma, so you may see: avoidance, isolation, slowing down or fatigue, sadness, numbness, dark thoughts.
You’re feeling powerless and out of control, so let’s check in on how you can rest as taught by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith.
physical rest - resting the body by sleeping or napping
emotional rest - choosing time to talk about feelings or to tune into emotion needs (therapy, friends, family)
spiritual rest - setting aside time to meditate, pray, journal, engage spiritually in traditions, practices, or gatherings
mental rest - taking a mental break to leave social media, screens like going for a walk or observing nature
social rest - time with life-giving, restorative people or intentional time with yourself
sensory rest - seeking silence and intentionally resting from noises, visual consumption (screens), fasting may be appropriate for some
creative rest - allotting time to break from thinking and shift into being inspired - music, art, nature, etc.
I encourage you to practice a daily self check-in. Take a deep breath. Now take an even deeper one, trying to imagine breathing in a way that fills your chest cavity, expanding your back, breathing into your neck, head, your lower abdomen and toes. Now how do you feel? You may start with physiological feelings (tense, numb, relaxed, tight) and move into connecting that to an emotional feeling (anxious, calm, scared, depressed). What do you need in this time? Is there a type of rest that might help to release that feeling or lessen it? If so, follow up to schedule or to “rest” in the way appropriate for you. If not, can you ask someone you trust for help whether a friend or professional? We are happy to help you connect. Reach out because we’re experiencing this together.