These are unique and stressful times, particularly if we have pre-existing conditions or have experienced a previous serious illness. Bringing some care and concern is not only normal, it is essential for the health of ourselves and others. However, at times our anxiety may feel unmanageable or intrusive to us.
Here are some suggestions for not only managing now, but becoming stronger and more confident generally in the future:
· Begin to notice how often we have troubling or intrusive thoughts about the pandemic. Are there certain times of day, or in response to things we hear and read through the media?
· What is the nature of the thoughts we are experiencing? What message are we giving ourselves?
· What are the feelings associated with these thoughts?
· Are these thoughts and feelings having an impact on how we feel physically? Notice any tension in the body. Breath through these tense spots to relax the body.
· When you notice having a negative thought about the virus, ask “Is this so?” Simply asking this question breaks the power of the thought, and breaks the pattern of automatic negative thinking.
· Remind ourselves of all that we are doing to stay well for ourselves and others.
· Talk to a good friend about your concerns.
· One approach is to think through what you would say to your best friend if they came to you with concerns- what would you say to reassure them and show you care? Try to apply that to yourself too.
· Try to limit how much you are reading and talking about the pandemic. This might be a hard thing to do, but it is clear that focusing for too long on the TV and internet can have a detrimental impact on our well being concerning the COVID virus.
· Try to physically distance ourselves from the TV and internet each day for as long as possible to reduce the amount of information we receive, but check in daily for a few minutes for updates, to remain informed.
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