We are going through unprecedented times. Even worse, no one knows how long it will last for. Here is a list to help you get through these difficult times.
1. Make a list of what you can and cannot control
When it comes to stressful events it can be very helpful to think about what you can and cannot control in the situation. During COVID, we may not be able to control how long we will be working from home; how long our children will be attending school from home, or how long we will have to wait until we can go on our next vacation or plan our wedding. Once we realize that certain things are beyond our control and nothing we can do can make things happen any faster or change things we can focus more on the things we can control. Think about the things you can control. For some that may only be what time you wake up and go to sleep, or what you eat for your meals, or staying in touch with loved ones. But by focusing on what we can control, we can feel empowered and not held down.
2. Media Distancing
Reading, listening to and watching the news can be helpful to stay updated on current events but hearing too much of the news can become very bombarding, especially when it doesn’t seem like there is much, if any, good news. It can also be very scary to hear about people dying or being very sick. If you have children, think about how this news may affect them. To this end, you may find it helpful to limit the amount of time you connect with media, including social media.
3. Engage in stress reducing activities
Everyone has different things that they find relaxing. Some things you can do to help relax yourself include; deep breathing, meditation, yoga, walking, exercise, cooking, bathes, reading nonfiction, listening to music, and watching movies. Make a list of things you are able to do in your home. Have this list handy. Next time you are feeling anxious take out your list and try each activity until you are feeling better. You can have different lists depending on how much time you have or if you are able to go outside or not. You can also incorporate your list into a routine.
4. Find social support
You are not alone. We are all in this together. It is a normal human reaction to have stress resulting from a major external event that we have little control over. It is normal and natural to feel scared or anxious about our current situation. Reaching out to friends, family or co-workers for social support can be very helpful. Make an effort to visit people when it is safe to do so or have phone calls and video chats. Realize by opening up and sharing your fears and struggles you may be helping others to do the same.
5. Seek out professional help
If you are finding that your mood has gotten worse and stayed that way for more than a couple of weeks, is interfering with your ability to function it is a good idea to consult with a knowledgeable mental health professional. Our therapists at The Relationship Suite see many people who are having problems adjusting to the new ways of living imposed by COVID. A therapist can help you process your emotions, change behaviors and thinking patterns and improve relationships.
The Relationship Suite
We are a group of skilled therapists specializing in couples/marriage counseling. Since Covid started we have been working with couples providing Online Couples Counseling in New York, New York City including Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, Long Island, South Hampton, East Hampton, Montauk. Schedule a complimentary consultation by clicking HERE.
Due to Covid we are also providing Virtual Couples Counseling in New Jersey, Hoboken, Jersey City, Princeton, Chatham, Morris, Westfield, Union, Bergen County, Colts Neck, Tenafly. Schedule a complimentary consultation by clicking HERE
