Coping in the time of COVID-19
Ivy Griffin
We all are encountering varying levels of change and upheaval as we deal with COVID-19. Many of us are experiencing feelings of bewilderment, annoyance and frustration at people’s over-reactions or under-reactions, worries about the future, and stress and strain on our relationships.
First of all, all of these feelings are normal. There’s no wrong way to feel about a situation that’s completely unprecedented. This is important to remember as we attempt to navigate possible increased levels of isolation, increased levels of time with family or roommates, and uncertainty about the future. Remembering that our feelings are normal can help to increase self-acceptance, as well as our levels of understanding about others’ feelings and reactions.
Another thing that can help to bring some calm into our lives is to remember what things are in our control and what is out of our control. When situations arise in which we control very little, it can destabilize us and makes us feel as if we have nothing solid to stand on. But we can remind ourselves that there are always constants. They may be material things like how we choose to dress or the food we choose to eat, physical things like exercise or simply focusing on breathing calmly, or mental things like choosing how we want to look at a situation. When we feel destabilized we can ask ourselves, “Can I let go of some of the things that are out of my control?” and “What’s something simple I can focus on that is within my control?”
Finally, I am reminded of how powerful it can be to focus on the good. In a moment of struggle the other day, I thought of a kind invitation from a friend just to visit. We often let these moments float away on the breeze while the worries and self-criticisms seem to stick like glue. Sometimes we need to capture those little moments that renew us and give us hope. Perhaps we take a screenshot of a sweet message or snap a picture of something ordinary that brings us joy, or perhaps we take a moment to savor a song that lifts our spirits. Whatever it is, we can hang on to those moments and use them as reminders that we are not alone, we are loved, and there is beauty all around us.
Plus, because we all need some fun and positivity, check out this list of fun options our team has been compiling to help entertain and amuse us through this strange time:
Stream Broadway musicals free for 7 days:
National Parks virtual tours:
Ebooks from NYC Library (with any library card):
Virtual tours of museums:
https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours
How to “Netflix and social distance” with friends ;
https://www-1.thenewstribune.com/news/coronavirus/article241274986.html#
Virtual concerts:
125 Ideas to Keep Kids Entertained:
https://parade.com/1009774/stephanieosmanski/things-to-do-with-kids-during-coronavirus-quarantine/
Free books from audible:
Winchester Mystery House virtual tours:
Online Jigsaw Puzzles
I bet you can add even more of your own to this list!
Take good care,
Ileana
And, if you’re needing some support, we’re still here for you, offering online and phone therapy. We’ll get through this!
Ileana Arganda-Stevens, AMFT #99821
Supervised by Ivy Griffin, LMFT #51714
Thrive Therapy & Counseling
1614 X St., Suite A Sacramento, CA 95818
916-287-3430