Simple ways to stay grounded during difficult times
Times are tough as we deal with Coronavirus disease (COVID -19). We are facing deaths, illness, social distancing, economic fears, job losses, worries and anxieties about our families and ourselves, as well as the disruptions caused to life as usual. There aren’t easy solutions to the mental and emotional stress and worry that many of us may be facing. Depending on the impact that this situation has had on you, it may be necessary to reach out for therapy to help with your particular situation. But here are a few simple ways to help manage the anxieties, worries and stresses that are up for many of us right now:
Focus on what you can do to help such as social distancing, calling folks who need help or support, doing work that helps others, supporting folks who’ve lost jobs or businesses or helping your family and friends
Spend time assessing what’s under your control and what’s not and doing the things that you can and trying to let go of worrying about the stuff you can’t control. This is really difficult especially as we worry about how this is impacting or will impact us or others we know
Give yourself time to grieve, feel fear or worry and find a way to express your feelings to those you trust. This can also be a good time to reflect on what’s important to you and what your priorities are. Journaling can be helpful right now.
Create new rituals or routines that feel grounding and that give you some focus for the day
After you’ve thought through and planned for worst case scenarios, allow yourself to get back to what you are doing day to day and try to focus on what’s right ahead of you e.g. cleaning the house, working if you still have work, hanging out with your family, cooking and reading
Connect with the people you love. We don’t have guaranteed time here and we need to prioritize those we love
If you are allowed to go out for exercise please do so (maintaining social distance) – running, walking, cycling, jumping rope or just playing outside lifts our spirits and gets us connected to life and our bodies in a way that’s difficult to replicate. If you can’t go outside, exercise indoors – there are many online videos and tools or you can improvise. Reach out for resources if you need them
Get some sunshine and pay attention to the sounds you hear, listen to the birds, squirrels in the bushes, enjoy the trees and plants that you see and find peace in what nature provides
Sleep, eat well and enjoy music, dance, movies, books and all that we may usually take for granted
Check the news but it keep it limited – you need to know what’s going on but you don’t need to watch it all day. I would always ask, “Is this information helping me do something useful today?”
If you would like to see a therapist we are providing teletherapy. We have added more openings to help with the increasing need for therapy. Please call our office at 510-981-1471 for an intake and please be safe.
Dr. Cory Nyamora is a licensed psychologist, an endurance sports coach with certifications from USAT. He is the founder of Endurance – A Sports & Psychology Center, Inc. He provides endurance coaching for beginner and experienced athletes, as well as psychological services to children, adults, and families. He provides trainings for organizations on topics related to the intersections of sports and mental health and overall wellness.
Santa Cruz, California
