12/11/2020
Keeping well in times of crisis.
I saw a post on Facebook the other day defining the term ‘Coronacoaster’. Here’s the definition: ‘the ups and downs of a pandemic. One day you’re loving your bubble, doing work outs, baking banana bread and going for long walks and the next you’re crying, drinking gin for breakfast and missing people you don’t even like!’
I could relate to this; maybe not the gin at breakfast though!! Some days I feel mentally strong, full of purpose, driven and focused. Other days, I want to curl up in a ball and weep, tears of sadness and despair. I’m afraid, as so many of us are, of what the future holds, the loss of earnings, the loneliness. In these moments, I feel so tired, demotivated and lost. I then get angry at myself for feeling this way and very self-critical. It’s a vicious circle and one that Tony Robbins calls the Crazy Eight (Tony Robbins Strategic Intervention training). If you don’t know this model, see picture.
Tony Robbins uses this model to describe the emotional swings between the two states of depression and anger. Both states serve a purpose and give us some benefit. If we look to the natural world, if a storm has raged, then isn’t it natural that what will follow is a period of calm. This pattern though is exhausting and keeps repeating itself over and over until the cycle is broken.
How do we find a way out of the cycle? Some unproductive, unhealthy ways out of the cycle are through over-eating (yep, that corona belly from lockdown 1) or drinking. According to two studies into rising alcohol consumption since the lockdown restrictions began, ‘more than 250,000 Britons are drinking before midday during lockdown’ (Independent June 3rd, 2020). Will this pattern will continue?
A more empowering way of responding, once we’re conscious of this pattern, is to change what we focus on. Being in fear doesn’t serve us and its delivered to us all day through the medium of radio and television. Stories of businesses closing, job loses, rising coronavirus cases and economic recession. This is also coupled with concern about family, and personal worries around one’s own health, loneliness and money worries. It’s no wonder stress is on the increase.
I don’t claim to have all the answers, but what I do know is if we change the meaning, we change how we feel.
So, here are my 5 top self-help tips for survival:
1. Focus on kindness, love and contribution. Carry out random acts of kindness and see how you can give back to others, even in small ways.
2. Listen to and promote success stories. These can be hugely motivational.
3. Take time for yourself and your wellbeing. This might be reading a good book, taking a bath, walking in nature. Whatever restores your sense of wellbeing.
4. Look for the gift and opportunity in this situation. I’m currently focusing on personal fitness and have set myself a challenging goal for November. I wouldn’t have had the time to run if I’d been working at the rate I was before lockdown 1.
5. Speak out about your stress, worries and/concerns to those you trust and have earned the right to hear your story. There’s no shame in saying that you aren’t coping well right now. Reach out and ask for help.
I hope this helps. Stay well and reach out in you need support x