Welcome to the latest, hottest, worldwide roller coaster attraction, called Pandemic! How are you guys enjoying the ride?
In Arizona, it’s been about a week since our governor declared a “stay at home” order but most of us have been isolating and practicing physical distancing for a few weeks now. I know I’m not alone in saying that it has been an emotional roller coaster.
Every day not only brings new updates and sometimes confusing information about how to engage in life outside of our homes, it also brings different feelings for me. One day, I may feel light and cheerful. And other days I may feel sad about the state of our country and sad for humanity as a whole. Some days I’m inspired by the beauty in how others support each other in this difficult time. And then there are days where I am left feeling completely disappointed by our “leaders.” Don’t worry, this won’t turn into a political post.
If you feel like you’ve been all over the place, you’re not alone.
Trying to create a sense of normalcy in these weird-ass times can be helpful. Here are some activities that others are finding helpful:
- “I curate vignettes with my coffee and use different pretty cups and sit in different places in my house or yard to make myself feel like I’m working abroad and going to fabulous cafes”
- Use a specific place to work every day and use the rest of the house when you are done working.
- Change clothes when you’re done working into something more casual.
- Go for a walk once you finish your workday and then when you go into your house again, set an intention to leave everything work related out.
- Go for a walk to substitute for your commute to and from work.
- Shower and get dressed in the morning like you’re going to work.
- Add things like “brush teeth,” “get dressed,” and “eat a snack” to your to-do list so you have something to check off at least a few times a day.
- Put on makeup and jewelry, even if it’s just for yourself.
- Open your blinds to start your day and close them to indicate closing your office.
- Move your body every day — yoga, walk, bike.
- Enjoy your coffee outside for a change of scenery.
- Get outside every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Even in writing this blog post, I have been all over the place. I jumped from topic to topic in brainstorming what to write about this week. I think my energy has been swinging in every direction that it has left me exhausted. It’s a strange experience to feel optimistic and unmotivated at the same time.
The important lesson to help you get through the emotional roller coaster of this (or any) situation is to remain present. To stay present with your feelings means to not dismiss or judge yourself for them. It means that you acknowledge that shit is hard and it is causing you to feel depressed/anxious/angry/etc. To label your feelings helps to remove some of their charge.
Sometimes I get this side-eye look from clients when I suggest that they allow themselves to acknowledge and honor their feelings in the moment. There’s a fear that if you get anywhere close to them, then you’ll get sucked into them like a black hole.
There’s a reason for the saying, “you have to feel it to heal it.”
Pushing the feelings away will complicate and prolong them. You may find some relief in ignoring them, but you’ll find that they will pop up with a vengeance at another time.
As this pandemic takes us on an emotional roller coaster ride, work to relax the body and notice where it takes you. There’s a lot to be learned about the emotions that come up during this time.
Wishing you all physical, mental, and emotional wellness.
