When life gives you lemons... hold video sessions!
Oh, hello!
Sometimes adversity forces us to evolve.
I think the crisis we’re currently in is going to be a game-changer. I’m not here to discuss the details of the coronavirus outbreak—we’re all saturated with it. I’d like to share my thoughts on some of the changes we may see, as well as offer some coping tips.
I think working from home is going to become more mainstream. Some of the benefits are more flexible hours, the ability to better navigate childcare, being able to walk dogs or run short errands. It will reduce the number of cars on the road daily which is bound to affect air quality, road rage, and save many of us a lot of money which would otherwise go toward gas and auto maintenance. We’ll save commute times which would be better spent easing into our day, getting a morning workout, or sleeping in. (How delightful!) Less money will be spent on dry cleaning and purchasing work clothes. These all sound like good things to me.
Another phenomenon I’m experiencing in my community is the creativity behind staying connected. If we must stay physically apart from one another, how do we stay connected? FaceTime visits with friends and family have been my go-to. I’m seeing virtual hangouts appear, and while nothing replaces spending time face-to-face with friends and loved ones, this is a great way to remain connected.
What can you do until this blows over?
Get outside! You can still take walks outside. It’s not difficult to keep a 6-foot distance from the next person outside. Being out in nature is really good for the soul. (1)
Exercise outdoors! We’re entering some beautiful spring weather, it’s perfect for running, walking, or doing some exercises, or just practicing yoga in a park or in your own backyard. Need some motivation? Set up or join an accountability group. You don’t have to do this alone.
Hang out with your friends! Schedule virtual hangouts via FaceTime, Facebook, or schedule a video meeting through Zoom. Whatever helps you still share special moments with your friends and see their smiling faces. Maintaining our social bonds are important to our well-being, especially in time of crisis. (2) As a friend of mine said, it’s more accurate to call it “physical distancing” rather than “social distancing”. You don’t have to sacrifice your social life, you just have to be creative about maintaining it. (3)
Read a book or two. Catch up on some house projects. Do some gardening. Pick up a new hobby. I’m learning to paint. I have a subscription for watercolor art kits through Let’s Make Art! They deliver paint supplies along with instructions and offer online tutorials—which are free—so that I never have to leave the house. This is a great way to pass time and experience being engaged with a fun activity. “A new study suggests that small acts of creativity in everyday life increase our overall sense of well-being.”(4)
Take a break from social media. Stay in touch with what’s happening but limit your exposure to the endless posts about the virus, the politics, the empty store shelves, and everything in between. The reason is that information overload builds anxiety. If you’re already prone to anxiety and/or are in a high-risk group, it’s key to your mental health to moderate your exposure. We’re not going to escape this overnight so be gentle with your psyche and pace yourself. (5)
I’m doing all of the tips I’ve recommended above. I’m a people person and love meeting face-to-face but the reality right now is that it’s not possible. I meet clients by video and am able to provide more flexibility regarding distance, time zones, and overall convenience. It’s natural to feel sad, angry, and stressed right at the moment. In fact, mental health is a concern being addressed in China. (6) I hope to see mental health support initiated for this crisis in this country soon. If you could use some gentle guidance to keep your optimism up and your anxiety down, book a session with me and see if it works for you. I’ll see you on the screen!
Let’s continue to adapt and make lemonade,
xo, f
References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272494419301185
https://cyberpsychology.eu/article/view/4285/3330
https://jech.bmj.com/content/59/7/538.full
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/doing_something_creative_can_boost_your_well_being
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30309-3/fulltext