By Amy Harberg, M.E.d., LPC, RPT, NCC | Contributor
We are currently navigating an extraordinary period; amidst our fast-paced lives, we find ourselves compelled to take a step back and stay at home.
While the circumstances may be daunting and filled with uncertainty, they also open up remarkable possibilities for deeper connections with those we often overlook. As inherently social beings, we have an intrinsic need for human interaction, but the speed of modern life can inhibit our ability to nurture these essential relationships. Over the past few years, anxiety and depression levels have surged, with social, academic, and financial stresses reaching unprecedented highs. Although many express a desire to decelerate, a prevalent notion persists that slowing down equates to inadequacy.
So, what does it entail to be asked to pause, remain indoors, and take a breath? We see parents, now working from home, having the rare chance to engage with their children during daylight hours. Children are participating in household chores that they previously avoided while at school. Families are finding themselves together more often, as after-school activities, parties, and gatherings are put on hold, leaving parents with minimal external obligations.
Navigating these changes is not simple, and this adjustment will be a journey. Many resources are available to offer strategies for managing the sudden influx of time and alleviating the anxiety felt by many. Here are several recommendations to contemplate:
- Establish routine – Maintaining a schedule helps individuals cope during times of anxiety. Many express a feeling of losing control, which can lead to emotional discomfort. Ensuring adequate sleep, nutrition, and physical activity is crucial. Aim to go to bed and wake up at consistent times daily. Inspire those in your household and your acquaintances to follow suit. Accomplishing even small tasks, like making your bed, can provide a sense of achievement.
- Limit news consumption – The deluge of information from various sources can be overwhelming, making it easy to get caught up in the narratives. Continuous exposure to news keeps worry fresh and present in your mind throughout the day. Set boundaries for yourself and your household regarding media consumption. Seek information from reliable sources and then take breaks from the news.
- Foster connections – Humans are naturally inclined to connect with one another. Social distancing can be particularly challenging, as physical touch is a fundamental aspect of our nature. While the methods of connection may change for now, make an effort to check in with those in your home and loved ones outside of it. Utilize phone calls, video chats, and virtual meetings to stay connected. Avoid isolating yourself in your room until the next meal. Take walks with your family outdoors, greeting neighbors while keeping a safe distance.
- Be inventive with your time – This newfound time presents numerous opportunities for creative activities. Perhaps it’s an ideal moment to complete a project that you’ve previously shelved. However, do not be too hard on yourself if you lack the motivation to undertake significant tasks like writing a book or organizing the garage. Engage in enjoyable activities, play games, solve puzzles, enjoy conversations, watch films, or take an online yoga class. Allow yourself to relish some downtime.
- Practice patience – Cultivating patience is a vital part of this adjustment. In a world that demands instant gratification, developing new routines may take time. Keep in mind that you are not alone in this experience. Over time, things are likely to improve. Educational institutions and businesses are adapting, providing online resources, flexible payment options, and donating services to those who are anxious and in need.
This challenging period will eventually pass, even if that feels difficult to envision right now. In the meantime, seize the chance to slow down, strengthen connections, exercise patience, and cherish the moments with one another.
Editor’s Note: Amy Harberg is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist based in Dallas. She can be reached at Harbergcounseling.com.
