If you were to have told me last year we’d be experiencing a global pandemic, experience a lock down and feel like a ping pong ball in the process I would have said you were crazy. Fast forward a bit, and Covid is still amongst us, but we’re in a funky state. It’s a bit in the middle of post-lock down and pre-normal. It’s confusing. A little anxiety provoking. Guess what? Allowing yourself permission to find your balance during the ongoing presence of Covid has to be what works for you. Every country is different. Stats vary. Emotions can be across the spectrum. It’s a whole lot of mixed everything and you know what? That’s ok.
We’re not in Kansas anymore…
If I had Dorothy’s red ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz now would be a pretty ideal time to click my heels right about now. I’m wearing flip flops and they’re definitely not transporting me anywhere. So, wherever you’re reading this your experience from a few months ago to present day is your own. From the country, state, region, county, family structure, work situation, etc. every experience is individualized. It’s your own.
We can easily get sucked into the vortex of social media or the 24-7 exposure of news coverage and observing what others are experience and compare it to our reality. Guess what? Your reality is your own. Remind yourself that. When we compare it places us in an immediate emotional disadvantage. We’re already in a state of falling short somehow. It’s just how it rolls. So stop comparing. Let it go. This takes time, but it’s wildly helpful.
For many of us there are also pluses to moderating our time and exposure to the news and social media. You don’t have to fully disconnect to feel more of a connection to others and yourself. It’s a balance. For most things in life, rolling with a balance keeps things where they need to be. It may be a good idea to jot down where you feel drained or emotionally stretched. If social media and news exposure is one of them, there’s one thing to take into consideration.
How to find your balance during the ongoing presence of Covid…
Consider what you’re comfortable with as your town, county, state or country are lessening restrictions. In the States, the impact of Covid varies as do what is and what is not accessible. Going into a store while social distancing is a go for some and is a big flashing red light for others. Or there’s the decision to sit on the beach, walk the boardwalk or go for a walk with friends through the park. The decision is your own and one you have to be comfortable with.
I have many friends with auto immune issues. I am outside every day and have been since the beginning of COVID. Through it all, we’ve social distanced. I believe being sensitive to others at this time is important. Wear a mask. Keep out of crowded areas. Social distance. In my mind, it’s a courtesy and a matter of respect. This is my own personal opinion. I also think of the millions of people returning to work or have worked throughout COVID wearing a mask for eight to twelve hours a day. My feeling is that I have no right to complain about my fifteen minute mask wearing into the grocery store. I have it easy compared to so many.
There’s the question of travel. A road trip. Going to a restaurant. Having a family gathering. Decisions that you will have to make at one point or another. My opinion? Do what is right for you. If you have not already done so, take some time to think or write out how you feel about this transitional period. What are you good with? What makes you uncomfortable or stressed? Consider what doesn’t? Be fair to yourself. Figure out what works and what doesn’t.
Emotions
Stress. Anxiety. Fear. Frustration. Uncertainty. Covid has brought with it a bazillion states of emotions over the past four months and we’re not even in the clear yet. Be aware of your emotions, talk it out with a friend or your partner. Not talking it out only stifles our ability to go forward. Stuffing our thoughts and concerns inevitably rolls into a snowball effect impacting our outlook and how we deal with daily life tasks and our relationships.
Be true and fair to yourself. Take every day in stride and know we’ll get through this. Allow yourself to feel, chat things out and acknowledge taking each day at a healthy pace for you. Every day is a new day and even in the midst of a pandemic, our mindset holds significance.
Wishing you a tremendous amount of peace, love and goodness.
