COVID-19 is the illness caused by the Coronavirus. Life as we know it has been brought to a halt by COVID-19. For many, uncertainty and change generates a high level of anxiety. There may be anxiety coming from the slow pace and the lack of “things to do.” Many of us are accustomed to a fast-paced lifestyle. An average day may consist of driving the kids to school, going to an appointment, going to work, running out for lunch, going back to work, picking up the kids, driving them to their after-school activities, making dinner, attending nightly commitments, and so on. For the time being, most of that is canceled or postponed. While it feels different from our normal lives, we can appreciate and take advantage of this pause. The fear of the unknown, the threat of illness, or concern around financial hardship are all valid. But, there is an opportunity to find positivity that lies beneath the turmoil.
Slowing Down for COVID-19
Most of us talk about how nice it would be to slow down. Our lives move fast. COVID-19 is forcing us all to do this. Many of us have extra time with family now. In addition, we can read books out loud with the kids. Perhaps there’s time to cook dinner together with a significant other or reconnect with family members who live far away. We have extra time with pets, who appreciate more cuddles and playtime. Now could be the perfect time to finally start digging into that stack of books you have been wanting to read. It’s also a good time for finishing or starting a home improvement project. This pause came at a perfect time to allow us more space in our schedules to do some spring cleaning, a puzzle, or start learning how to knit, dance, or finally hop on that Peloton bike that hasn’t been touched since Christmas. In fact, maybe now that you’ve had to stop moving so fast, you notice that you haven’t been taking the best care of yourself. Maybe now is a great time to finally look at getting a therapist, going through an online treatment program to address a detrimental relationship with substances, or beginning a new meditation routine.
Taking Care of Ourselves
Many have hoped for some relief, a break, a few “extra hours in the day”. Well, like it or not, that time has come. COVID-19 is happening. But we can control our attitudes and our actions.
“I, for one, am going to enjoy this rare pause and as my body has begun to slow down, I will allow my mind to slow down as well,” says Rachael Messaros, individual in long-term recovery and Director of Admissions & Marketing at Redpoint.
As always, a reminder that if you or someone you love is in need of therapeutic support, we are here. Redpoint Center is fully operating, using telehealth tools to stay connected to our clients. Now, more than ever, we need each other.
