For many of us, the hardest thing to manage is the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19. There are endless factors beyond our control, including how long this pandemic will last and how it will affect our loved ones and friends, especially when they have contracted the virus or suffer from pre-existing health conditions.
Accepting the reality we are facing is a tough mental demand. In an attempt to make sense of the situation, we typically respond by endlessly searching the internet for answers and contemplating the different scenarios that might occur – mostly with negative outcomes. Pondering on questions without answers or circumstances outside our control can take us into a downward spiral, and leave us feeling emotionally exhausted, anxious and overwhelmed.
It is natural to be concerned about loved ones or friends suffering from poor health, but we also need to look after our own mental wellbeing during this time in order to be resilient when we have to support them or care for them. The good news is, we can manage our anxieties and fears.
Stoppers and starters
Stop the "what-ifs" from spiralling and silence your mindThis refers to purposeful sessions to enhance focus and to allow thoughts to manifest, without paying reactive attention to them. This technique prevents you worrying about the future or fixating on the past. If you silence your mind for just 15 minutes daily, it will reduce the excessive reactivity of the brain in response to perceived threats by containing the fight-or-flight response. Challenge yourself to experiment with a few tried and tested stress management techniques such as meditation and mindfulness sessions, as well as deep breathing exercises. These will do wonders to attenuate a worrying mind. It will also help you to focus on the positive.
Replace negative intrusive thoughts with positive thoughts
Think about the enjoyable things you have experienced with your loved ones in the past – family gatherings, a memorable birthday and fun-filled holidays. Reflect on these positive memories with your sick friends and family. Dream, visualize and plan the next adventure together. A practical way of doing this is to share photos or videos from a particularly pleasant time you have had together, then visualizing a similar event in future. Dream together!
Show that you care
Make sure that your caring spirit is not just visible in the physical assistance you provide during the course of your day, but also shared verbally as well as through little acts of kindness. Doing this will also uplift your own spirit and inspire you to portray a deep sense of caring.
Consider humour when appropriate
The power of a good laugh is often underestimated. Make sure you go into every conversation with your sick loved ones in a positive frame of mind. Initiate every chat with a big smile and a friendly, positive quip. Share jokes, memes and messages of encoura as often as is appropriate, because laughter is contagious even when you are wearing a facemask!
Source - //groupworld/news/what'son
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