Finding Calm among COVID by Sara Davis

Finding Calm in Chaos-COVID-19

Chaos! Pandemic! Isolation! These are words that have been streaming in our social media feeds and across our news boards, describing the current situation in our country. During this time of unknowns, it can be hard to find comfort and calm. As a therapist, many of my clients are struggling with their anxiety associated with the constant changes and transitions this country is seeing. As triathletes, below are some simple strategies I have discussed with my clients to help them stay grounded and find joy in this situation.

1) Social distancing can also be applied to social media and the news. We are inundated with information and mixed messages on all our social media and news sites. It is OKAY to check out and sign off social media or to stop watching the news. Believe me, you will not miss anything except maybe the headaches. If you truly feel you need to stay connected and in the know, have a loved one you can process the information with and hold you accountable to sign off when seeing signs of anxiety or distress. 

2) Take everything one day at a time. No one knows what is next, not even the people in higher positions making decisions about COVID-19. Break things down, focus on tasks at hand that YOU CAN control, like doing the laundry, tackling that work project or kicking you child’s butt in that video game. Prioritize things that are important to you and focus on doing those things. Be patient and kind with yourself as you adjust to your “new normal” each day.

3) Create structure and routine. As triathletes, we are good at this, we get a plan and we stick to it. However, in this time of unknowns, you HAVE to be CREATIVE AND FLEXIBLE. Sounds counterintuitive to routine and structure but you have to be able to be okay with not being rigid in your ideas of what “should, could, would be”. Be creative with your workouts, you work space, your meals etc; knowing that you might not have access to the venue or equipment you might need. Be flexible with your time, schedules etc. Take these moments to slow down a little, sleep in later, hang with your kiddo for that extra five minutes. None of us are rushing off to do anything considered nonessential anymore! 

4) Move your body! Yes, I know that as triathletes, this is an obvious one to us BUT challenge yourself to move your body outside your normal training. I have implemented a mandatory dance party every hour, alone or with my son. Take that online yoga class you have brushed aside because you were previously busy. Practice deep breathing/mindfulness and remember it does not matter what you do, just move your body with intention! 

5) Cultivate gratitude and foster positivity. Science shows that when focused on gratitude, people change their brains. In times like this, we will see the best and the worst of people. Fear can make people act in ways that is normally outside of their daily character. When your stream of negative thoughts or anxiety come in, focus on the moment and all the good in your life today. Make a gratitude list first thing in the morning and when closing out your day. Do something everyday where you find joy, whether that is looking at the latest memes or reaching out and connecting with friends/family. Write a letter to your local hospital thanking all the healthcare workers for their service. Remember, we are what we seek.

These are hard times for everyone. Lean into one another, ask for help if struggling (with anything from sadness to finding a different workout).
 

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