Coping Skills During Challenging Times
How do you find joy and hope in the midst of prolonged uncertainty?
Recent questions about how to deal with extended “Covid fatigue” has caught my attention. There seems to be no end in sight of this pandemic that keeps dragging on, affecting so many aspects of our lives. Parents are deciding whether it’s safe to send kids to school, teachers are facing difficult choices about returning to work, while other essential workers are battling burnout, compassion fatigue and overwhelm. The world may seem chaotic, unstable and bizarre as we navigate the prolonged pandemic, social unrest and political divide.
The bigger question may be how do we keep keeping on, how do we dig deeper for resources when we seem to be tapped out…How do we stay energized, hopeful and joyous when the world around us seems angry & dark? Perhaps I can offer a few coping skills to build a foundation for resilience.
Coping starts by being aware, and by allowing yourself space and grace. Practicing self care and coping skills is vital. Below, I’m reviewing some coping skills that will strengthen your overall well-being, which will help you access joy even in troubled times.
Breathing: Every system in the body relies on oxygen! Breathing provides mental clarity, better sleep, enhanced food digestion and improved immune system. Your breath alone can reduce your stress & anxiety levels. To do: con
Exercise: One of the best thing we can do for coping is exercise – even a simple walk – helps. It releases endorphins, gets some of the adrenaline out when the frustration builds up.
Stay Connected: Finding the right people, places and times to talk to is essential, and please do consider professional support as well. Ignoring feelings doesn’t make them go away.
Constructive thinking: We may think it is the situation that causes our feelings, but actually, our feelings come from our thoughts about the situation. We can’t change the situation, but we can adjust our thinking. Give yourself some space & grace, compassion & kindness.
Mindfulness and gratitude: The more you practice, the easier it gets. Be present in the moment. We put ourselves through a lot of unnecessary suffering projecting into the future or ruminating about the past. For now, just take life day by day, moment by moment. That’s where you’ll find joy and hope.
Personally, I have found that a holistic, integrated approach that addresses mental, physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions works best for me. When I feel overwhelmed, stressed or fatigued, spending time in nature works best to reset and recharge my energy levels. Do more of what feels good, and less of what does not.
To Powerful, Positive Change…Cheers.
Adela