The coronavirus has impacted all of us. I worry about the impact on families, especially if we are isolated in our homes. Children know that their parents are stressed and couples may have difficulty supporting one another, which is understandable.
Tensions are high. Fear and uncertainty is overwhelming. Anxiety is heighten, perhaps more than ever. And it came on fast; barely enough time to process and respond in a calm and rational manner. Paper products are sparse which produces increased survival mode in most of us.
Schools are closing. Workplaces are laying people off. And we have no idea when an end is in sight. So now what?
My first suggestion – acknowledge that all of us feel fear. It may look different in everyone. In some, it may look like agitation, while in others it may be a quiet withdrawal, it may look like panic, aggression, it may be stoic or it may look like a driving force to get things done. But, all of these differences are faces of fear. Accept that all of us present fear in different ways. Finding this common ground of fear can create connection. Creating connection can ease our fear. Connection and partnering is calming.
Second, Breathe. Deep breathing. An odd suggestion, it won’t pay the bills but breath calms the body and the mind. Stress takes a toll on the body and breathing can ease the stress on the body and mind. We tend to forget the incredible value of breath, deep breaths and in the form, mediation, yoga, or nature walks – even better. We can connect easier when we work toward managing our stress and anxiety.
And finally, help each other. I remember massive snowstorms and neighbors came together to help one other. The feeling of coming together was incredible and memorable. Now we are facing something very different – social distancing. But that does not mean that we can’t support each other in different ways.
We can listen to one another’s fears and concerns with empathy and compassion. We can offer suggestions on how to manage social distancing. We can face-time with friends. Share ideas on how you are coping with isolation. Support each other in any possible way. Simply expressing your care for each other can ease tensions. In this time of social isolation – find ways to come together. ♥
* * * * *
If you want to learn more about relationships – I wrote this for you “Ten Essential Things I’ve Learned About Marriage & Relationships” I’ve included the lesson that saved my marriage. I care about the work that I put out to you, and I hope you find it helpful. Let me know!
Subscribe (to the right) to keep up with my writing on relationships, random thoughts and more. And know that I respect your email privacy.
One more thing… I really would love for you to share your thoughts with me. It’s not easy to do, I understand because it took me a long time to work up the courage to begin blogging! But I want to get to know you. When you feel ready, please feel free to share your thoughts with me in the comment section. And, if you would like me to blog about a specific topic – let me know!
If you think this blog will help a friend, please share it with them or share it on Facebook and Twitter!
Details of any stories told in my blogs have been changed to protect the identity of people that I work with in therapy.