Any feeling is a normal feeling when the situation itself is abnormal. The past few weeks have been by no means normal for any of us, and you may be feeling anxious, stressed or overwhelmed during this time. You may also be feeling happy, relaxed and motivated.
Don’t worry if you’re not responding like the person next to you, you might be responding just how your body and mind need you to.
This pandemic will affect all of us in unique ways, and at times some people’s ways may seem bizarre, or better, in comparison to our own.
We may even disagree with how a person behaves in this situation, or what they believe, or the things that they do to help them cope, but it is important to remember that trying to cope is something we all have in common.
Approaching situations with a bit more kindness, more compassion and with a touch of empathy will help us relate to those around us, and remind us that we are all in this together.
Until we create some kind of an off-world base, this world is all we have, each and every one of us. When we remember that, at the very least, we have that in common, we can find a way to thrive together.
Some days may be fine, great even! Some days may feel like the weight of the pandemic is too much to handle, and everything is very much not okay.
So how do we deal with the bad days? And what can we do to help carry us through to the other side?
The uncertainty of the world around us can leave us grasping for control, or answers, where there are none. Focusing on what we can control and letting go of what we cannot will help lay to rest some of our anxieties during this time.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy focusses on changing what we can, accepting what we can’t, and making sure we know the difference. Rather than focussing just on being ‘happy’, it helps us to use difficult times to thrive and be the type of person we want to be.
Dr Russ Harris, author of The Happiness Trap, has written up an article on how to respond effectively to the Corona crisis using the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
The practical steps are:
F = Focus on what’s in your control
A = Acknowledge your thoughts & feelings
C = Come back into your body
E = Engage in what you’re doing
C = Committed action
O = Opening up
V = Values
I = Identify resources
D = Disinfect & distance
We think it’s a great read. You can find the full piece, which explores them all in depth, here.
By learning to relinquish control, and FACE COVID, we may find ourselves coping better with the current situation. Remember, we all respond differently. Some of us may be really struggling with this transition, and some of us may be totally in our element. When we are kind to each other, when we act as a team, we all win at this thing called life.
If you feel as though you’re not coping, reach out to us on 4288 4667 or book an appointment online with one of our psychologists. Telehealth sessions are now available, as well as sessions for those in financially vulnerable positions during this time.
