We asked Helen Emerson, an EHS expert and a member of our pandemic response team, to share some strategies for managing our emotions during the latest wave of the pandemic.
Feeling hard done by and cheated by Covid 19? You’re not alone.
We all want to achieve things in both our personal and work lives, and with some of our dreams and aspirations thwarted in 2020, combined with uncertainty about what’s ahead and how long the pandemic will last, it’s natural to feel wounded and aggrieved.
These strategies can help you manage your feelings.
Call it what it is. To address your feelings and emotions, you need to acknowledge them. Name them – whether it’s fear, sadness, anxiety, or anger. Admit what you are feeling, with no apology. Once you acknowledge your emotions, you can then start to address them. It’s truly the first step.
Control what you can. You are not going to be able to impact what is happening in another part of the world. You can, however, control what is happening in your home and community. Continue to keep you and your family safe. Eat well. If you’re worried about bills, be proactive. Call the Companies or Bank. Many are offering flexible schedules or lower payments. Make sure you have enough food and medicine in case you need to self-isolate. Control is power.
Consistency is key. We are creatures of habit. Losing routines can increase stress. If you lost some routines such as going to/from work, make new ones. Wake up and go to sleep at the same time. Plan your work schedule ahead of time. Build in exercise to your routine. Consistency in your day will help decrease some anxiety you might be feeling by not having a routine.
Congratulate yourself. When you achieve or do something that is good for you or anyone else, pat yourself on the back. Whether it’s reading a book to your child, staying connected with family and friends, going for a walk, or taking time to relax. Acknowledge those things you do that make you and others feel better.
Compassion in a time of Covid. You can do everything right as an individual, and still get this virus, and this is especially true in relation to the new variants. Parts of media have blamed the spread of the virus on the young, the old, even Father Christmas was blamed. Blame is unhelpful – those affected need our support, not our judgment. Be kind to others and yourself.
Closure will come. This pandemic will end. We may not know yet how, or exactly when, but we do know that what you are going through now is temporary. Therefore, focus on the present. Go to trusted sources for information while also limiting the amount of time you spend on the coronavirus topic. Avoid information overload. Become aware but not scared.