The impact of the COVID-19 virus continues.
As the weeks and months accumulate, the number of infections and related health problems continue to increase. Almost everyone has been affected in one way or another.
Many have become aware of a life-changing medical event, either individually or within their family.
Millions of us have been caught up in the economic crisis. Some have lost their jobs or had their wages reduced.
Normal day-to-day activities, such as shopping, traveling and attending school, continue to be compromised, often in the midst of much debate and controversy. Lest we forget, reminders of these events appear daily in the news and on social media.
During these difficult times, it would be easy to face bouts of depression and / or turn to drugs and alcohol as the wrong antidote. Instead, here are some action steps you can take to better maintain your emotional and physical health not just for now, but long-term as well.
1. Believe in something bigger than yourself. My family and friends have unshakable faith in God and that God will guide us through this crisis. The United States and the world have faced world wars, famines and depressions and the nation has always found a way not only to survive but to be very successful once the crisis is over. The belief in a higher power can serve as a beacon when times seem hopeless. Plus, finding a worthy cause can help you focus on serving the less fortunate, whether it’s feeding the hungry, helping the downtrodden find work, or another charitable endeavor. Certainly a cause worth pursuing can be found.
2. Develop new goals and objectives. Many are using this time to improve their skills, develop a new hobby, change careers, or find new ways to improve their lives. The increased amount of formwork in the home has given people the incentive to learn about potential new opportunities from both a professional and a social point of view. People spend more time studying these options and reviewing their long-term dreams and aspirations. This provides positive energy as you not only define your goals, but also create an action plan to achieve them.
3. Maintain consistency. Once you set your new goals, check your progress daily. There is technology to monitor your activity on your PC, tablet and / or iPhone. These daily checks will help you keep your goals in mind, adjust your plan as needed, and prevent you from drifting off course. It also keeps your enthusiasm at a high level.
4. Emphasize communication with friends and social connections. Despite the quarantine and ongoing advice to stay home, many people have found creative ways to stay in touch with friends and colleagues and to adhere to health guidelines. As has been documented in the media, outdoor patio gatherings can provide the necessary social interaction. Outdoor physical activities, such as walking, running, and biking with friends, can help maintain social balance and contribute to your physical health. Zoom calls, emails, phone conversations, and other aspects of social media can also help overcome feelings of loneliness and despair.
5. Discuss personal challenges with parents and mentors. Young adults and other people often feel lonely and disconnected even in normal times. The pandemic has exaggerated these problems. Discussing one’s personal dilemmas with your spouse or parent can help bring those challenges to the fore and create a worthwhile response. However, those who prefer to seek other alternatives can join a peer group and / or work with a mentor or coach. Some nonprofit organizations offer a free coach. Coaches can offer a different perspective than a family member, one that is totally objective without the baggage of past experiences. In many cases, the coach may have already faced the same problems as the individual and can offer real-world advice for a better and faster solution.