By Randy MillerFounder & Chief WHEN Officer
WHEN Enterprises, a Phoenix-based wellness organization devoted to improving people’s lives and careers, has issued the following guidance that aims to help people deal with the stress and anxiety associated with the pandemic.
Self-care – Limit Consequences of Negativity
Calendar year 2020 has been an unexpectedly head-turning experience for all of us. A lot of things are still up in the air in our families, at our workplaces, within our communities and throughout our nation. Some aspects of our lives are still changing from day to day.
How do we deal with all this rapid change?
There is a lot of uneasiness out there. When we don’t know what is going to happen next, negative emotions such as fear and anxiety can take over. And further, emotions are contagious. Being around others who are scared and troubled can ramp up our own feelings of worry and distress.
But it’s important to remember one thing. We do have some control over the degree to which we succumb to our potentially negative emotional state of being.
We can “make a deal” with ourselves! Let us explore this deal.
Reflect and engage
You have heard a lot about the spread of COVID-19 and what physical steps to take about reducing it – handwashing, social distancing, wearing masks and other precautions.
This can also be the perfect time to reflect on the state of our well-being and emotional lives – what is important to us and who we will be throughout this struggle for stability.
Here are a few suggestions to help decrease the negative emotions:
- Focus on the good things in your life. Express gratitude for what you have. Take stock of the good things in your life – family, pets, friendships, job, the wonders of nature and beautiful scenery. It also brings you into the present moment and out of anxiety about the future.
- Do something to help others. Even with social distancing, this can be accomplished by donating food and paper goods to shelters, assisting neighbors who may not be able to get out, or volunteering at nonprofit organizations.
- Get some fresh air. Go for a walk. Be outside. I see people in my neighborhood walking their dogs and taking kids for a walk or stroll. They are smiling. They wave. Are you a smiler and waver yourself?
- Stay informed AND limit your contact with, and participation in, negative voices on social media, TV news and those around you. Don’t let others’ fears and concerns escalate your own.
- Send positive thoughts to yourself, family, friends and out on social media. Watch uplifting movies, shows, podcasts – whatever feels good to you. It’s okay to binge watch now!
- Consider meditation and mindful breathing. There are many resources online if you have never done these practices before, but they may help you reduce your anxiety and feel calmer. Check out videos for simple ways to breathe deeply and calm your entire body.
Give yourself an opportunity to see what you are capable of – outside of your work environment – during this crazy time. There may be more good things in your life than you have been giving yourself credit for. A little vulnerability and reflection brings out the best in all of us.
Talking about it…
For those who want to explore and talk about what’s going on and need to process ways to deal with the current situation, professionally trained WHEN Advisors are privately helping businesses and people in all walks of life every day. Minimizing stress and anxiety are part of the array of well-being, physical health and career coaching services available to individuals and organizations nationwide.
For more information, call 855-943-WHEN (9436) or visit FindYourWHEN.com.
