Resetting and finding perspective amidst the COVID-19 crisis.

Am I even a blogger if I don’t post a lockdown related article? It has been a roller coaster the past weeks. Most of us if not all of us are already going crazy. It is one thing to choose to stay home and it is another thing to be asked to stay home. And because it seems like the hottest topic in town that almost everyone wants to talk about is this damned COVID-19 crisis, here we go. Allow me to share a bit of what I’m on to and my take during this whole mess.

I’ve witnessed how rebellious some of us can be and I wonder if this is how the human mind functions. Doing contrary to what is expected during this period even when it means life and death is callous and disregard to human life. Some people are plainly relying on religion and God and going about their business as normal. I think we can believe and rely on whoever greater being we worship and at the same time adhere to the measures put in together by experts so we can get through this situation sooner as it is possible.

Seeing a positive in a negative

There can hardly be a positive in losing lives, and it is absolutely not easy to find comfort in suffering. What I go by is a beautiful quote “Joy isn’t the absence of pain but happiness in spite of it” It is what you choose to let your mind focus on or what you learn through these experiences. If you choose to focus on what brings you down then that is where you will be at. Many things are beyond our human understanding, but understanding that you can’t control everything even if you wanted to, might bring you at ease and lessen your anxiety. So I am dismantling this giant situation and finding little positives that can keep me afloat and I would sincerely suggest you do the same.

Reconnecting with self

I’m using this time to reconnect with myself. Having too much time at hand and nowhere to adequately spend it, considering the new normal now is quite challenging. There are however so many little things I enjoy doing that don’t require physical company to fulfill. For example I enjoy reading, writing, music, movies, phone calls with my chosen few, makeup, dress up, cooking, mini-home workouts, social media, etc. I’ve been on a creative block for some time but I’m glad I’ve been able to set up a new website.

Reconnecting with these little things that I might have forgotten or taken for granted and finding joy in them has helped keep my sanity. I’m I disciplined? Hell to the no. But doing one or two of these each day instead of sleeping all day is still something.

Reconnect with those who matter

If this period hasn’t yet shown you the true colors of those you term close and important then I don’t know what you’ve been doing. You could use this time to reflect on your relationships, the most important of those.

(You can also think as far wide as the politicians you put in office, and what example they are showing right now)

A beautiful thing gone wrong could be rekindled now and hugged out when all this madness is over. Make-up with your sister, brother, mother, father, friend but not the ex. Don’t forget they are an ex for a reason.

Not feeding into anxiety

Anyone with a smartphone is likely to be in more than one online social media groups, and on different platforms. Mute them all if you care for your nerves. This period is understandably and probably the most active social media groups have ever been. If you suffer from anxiety you better realize what ticks you more now than ever. There is too much information, correct and incorrect hopping from group to group. Your mental health should matter to you the most so it’s only right that you chose one or two reliable sources to get the information you need. If need be, unfollow what isn’t speaking to your health and sanity. For empaths it’s crucial to follow uplifting sources. Also beware of the toxic positivity going around.

Unplug

We all need to remember that too much of anything can be damaging. You can take social media breaks now and then however much it seems impossible now. The internet can be overwhelming right now. If unplugging for you means taking long baths, indulging in memes or sleeping then be it. No one is judging. Find a healthy way to unwind regardless of being stuck at home. Be a bit creative and you will thrive.

Be mindful of others

Realize the power of social media and think twice before clicking send what you compose for others to consume. Before forwarding any message or article detect it’s credibility. I don’t know how much one can emphasize on how impactful whatever you share can be. Try not to be an agent of spreading rumors. Ask yourself what it is you want to achieve with what you are sharing before doing it. As much as you don’t want to consume negativity in the form of anxiety and panic, take it as your responsibility not to spread the same. You hold so much power behind that keyboard. Use it to benefit others, build, spread joy, laughter, inform but not to destroy.

Remember to remind

Some of our loved ones are blatantly ignorant and oblivious to this crisis and I know how much we want to punch them on the face. But we obviously can’t. We care so much for people that we let their choices affect us. All we can do is continue to call them as often as possible and keep reminding them to be vigilant because they aren’t immortal. Remind them how important it is for them to follow suit the measures in place. Remind them that God won’t come down to wash their hands but they can be open-minded to let God enable them to do so. Lovingly and convincingly give them facts about the situation and hopefully they see the seriousness and sense of it all. If it still doesn’t work, rest knowing you have done your part and their life isn’t your sole responsibility.

Live as if you will survive this

It is depressing and draining living in uncertainty not to mention a global one in this case. Feeling unsure, insecure and even lost are reasonably the most apparent of emotions right now. However, it is important that you face this as if you will survive it. Believe that it isn’t the end of the world. Believe that when all this is over, time will have passed and life moves on. Do what you do now in the best way as if you will account for it later. Keep writing those applications, learn that new skill, keep your finances in check, love even harder, don’t lose hope of finding a bae, etc.

Share with us: what you have been up to, your input to this whole mess and what is keeping your head high.

#stayhome#staysafe#bevigilant