Building Emotional Resilience in Stressful Times
Surviving (and even thriving) through the pandemic
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
This darned pandemic problem just won’t go away!
As I write this, Canada (where I live) is in the middle of a third wave of the pandemic and more lockdown rules have just been put in place. The pandemic feels like it is worse than it has ever been. The media tells us that our healthcare system is in crisis with our hospitals reaching capacity and becoming unable to cope. It is a collective trauma that people all over the world have in common.
Even more worrisome during this third wave is the significant impact on our mental health. Those who have managed to cope without too much stress so far are also feeling the strain. Stress and anxiety are at an all-time high. People who have never struggled with mental health are showing symptoms of depression.
It’s important to remind ourselves and believe that we will get through this. The population is slowly getting immunized and life will return to a new kind of normal. But what can we do in the meantime to stay present, calm and centered?
The first thing to remember is that we are social creatures and need each other. We can’t survive unless we look after each other. Instead of placing blame about the worsening situation on others and complaining about the unfairness of it all, it would be much more helpful to concentrate on keeping ourselves and those close to us healthy and safe. This may include regular phone calls and check-ins, and looking in on friends and family who live alone. Perhaps the lost art of letter writing will be revived!
Self-care has never been more important. We’ve all heard the metaphor of putting the oxygen mask on ourselves before helping others. This is essential. Self-care includes looking after both our physical and emotional bodies. Taking time each day to eat healthy foods, move your body, do something fun, engage in a creative activity, and connect with others is crucial. Stay informed but limit your exposure to the constant negative noise in the news and on social media.
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
In any situation, we have a choice in how we respond. We can sit and be miserable because we can’t do the things we normally like to do while in lockdown. Or, perhaps a better choice may be to use this time to do something new. Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn? There are many virtual learning opportunities out there. Is there something creative you’ve always wanted to do? Get out your journal and brainstorm some ideas. It’s possible that this strange time in our lives could be a time of amazing growth.
In addition, developing compassion, towards ourselves and others, is key to our continued positive mental health through any stressful event, particularly when we find ourselves feeling frustrated, angry and/or judgmental. This can be particularly difficult if you or someone you are close to has experienced illness, job loss, or isolation due to the pandemic.
Loving Kindness Meditation
There’s a Buddhist loving kindness meditation I love that uses the following affirmations:
May you be well
May you be happy
May you be free from suffering
Any time you feel you need a little more compassion in your life, I invite you to sit comfortably and close your eyes or gently lower your gaze, connect with your breath, and repeat the words above. You can start by bringing to mind someone close to you, then bring to mind neighbors and friends, and perhaps include other people you don’t even know. Try sending loving kindness to someone who annoys you. Send them all these words of compassion. Most importantly, don’t forget to include yourself before you end the meditation.
Finally, always remember that this too shall pass.
I’d love to hear from you so please send any comments or questions to me at sharon@sharonashtonmindfulyoga.com. Feel free to share this email with anyone else who may be interested.
Are you interested in life and mindset coaching? As part of my Wayfinder Life Coaching certification practicum, for a limited time I am currently accepting clients for complimentary sessions. If you would like more information on this limited-time opportunity, please email me to set up an appointment or visit my website coaching page here.
You are also invited to join my free Facebook group The Journey Within Mindful Yoga and Life Change Community here where we can connect to share resources and short mindful yoga and meditation practices:
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