2020 has been a year of doubt and anxiety. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our lives in entirely unpredictable ways, and more than six months into the crisis, nobody knows when – or if – things will ever return to normal. When a stressful situation persists for months on end, it can leave you feeling exhausted and burned out. What are some practical ways you can cope amid this uncertainty?
1. Recognize What You Can – and Can’t – Control
There’s so much to worry about these days – your family’s health, the economy, even civic unrest. However, only a small fraction of this big picture consists of circumstances that lie within your control. It’s essential to take stock of your situation and identify what aspects of your life you can manage. Being resilient amid uncertainty may require adjusting your routine. You may also benefit from asking others for help and advice.
2. Maintain an “Attitude of Gratitude”
These challenging conditions can weigh on you, affecting your mental and physical well-being. However, you know it’s not productive to panic or to spend every day fretting about outcomes that may never come to pass. Shift your mindset to be grateful for the things you have. Shared hardships like these can become a turning point that helps you learn to cope with difficult emotions.
3. Accept That It’s OK to Not Be OK
When uncertainty surrounds you, it can be tempting to try to rush through the situation or force things to be something they’re not. This approach is ultimately unproductive because life isn’t always easy. We’re all trying to navigate through this pandemic one day at a time. Once you realize no one is expecting you to have all the answers, you can start to reframe the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to show yourself and others kindness, empathy and compassion, instead of an expectation of perfection.
4. Treat Yourself
If you’re feeling depleted, replenish your energy with self-care. Go for a walk, curl up with a steaming mug of tea and a good book, play with your pets – whatever healthy activity you choose to refill your capacity for taking care of yourself and others. Do things that feel meaningful or give you a sense of accomplishment.
5. Believe a Brighter Future Lies Ahead
The world’s brightest medical researchers are working around the clock to find a vaccine so that someday, we can return to our pre-coronavirus normal. In the meantime, continue to be responsible and taking steps to keep yourself and your family healthy and happy. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s good enough for now.
Recovering in Taos, New Mexico
At Vista Taos Recovery Center, the safety and well-being of our clients and staff continues to be our highest priority. Here, you can find a healing sanctuary against the backdrop of stunning mountain scenery. We provide holistic residential treatment tailored to your needs. If you’re struggling with any kind of substance abuse disorder, please contact us to learn more about our therapeutic environment.
