The rapid spread of the novel coronavirus and the implications it is having on people’s health, society, and the economy on a global scale is significant. Here in Dubai we are in a 24 hour lockdown with the majority of people currently working from home. This can make many people worry. Here are some strategies our coaches and clients are using to cope during these times which you may find helpful.
We worry.
We all worry about the health consequences this epidemic may have on both our lives and the lives of our families and the people we care about.
We worry about the financial implications this may have on us and our ability to support ourselves.
We worry about how much longer we have to stay locked up indoors not able to go out for a 2 minute walk. We're tired of this quarantine but we know how important it is to maintain a social distance.
If you're also worried about what the future holds, that's completely normal. We are all going through the same challenges and hardships. At the same time it's important to remember that you're still in control of your attitude and thoughts.
We encourage our clients to catch themselves in the midst of any stressful thinking and remind themselves of something simple yet relieving. It calms them down, directs their focus to the present, and allows them to get on with their day without getting lost in their head. Here's what we remind our clients of:
For now, you’re ok
Maybe all the things we worry about will happen in the future. Or maybe not. Maybe everything turns out ok and we get stronger from this experience.
But for now, a lot of us are ok. And if you’re reading this right now, so are you. Let’s take a moment and be grateful for that. You and hopefully your loved ones are alright.
Once you remind yourself of this simple fact you can separate yourself from the future because it’s yet to happen. All those scenarios you play in your mind are not real and whatever does actually happen months from now is not something within your control. The only things you have control over are the choices you make today.
Whether it’s your actions or my thoughts, you can choose to focus on things within your control especially when you notice yourself feeling worried, anxious, or stressed out.
If you’re being asked to work from home, your business has shut down for a period of time, or your city is on lockdown, one of the best things you can do to reduce the mental side effects of ‘social distancing’ is connecting with your loved ones online on a daily basis. Take the time to talk with your parents, spouse, or anyone else you care about.
We’re lucky to be living in a time when we have the technology to do so. We need to take advantage of that and connect with others.
Gyms around the world have closed. Even building gyms have shut down. If you're in a city that allows you to go outside and walk that could be one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental well being.
In fact walking outdoors (in non crowded places) even for just 10 minutes can be extremely beneficial these days especially if you’re spending your days inside your home. Here are some benefits:
- Breathing fresh outdoor air improves brain function and concentration levels.
- When out in sunlight, a person’s skin synthesises Vitamin D, an important nutrient for healthy brain function. It is also a vitamin that a lot of medical experts are recommending people supplement with because of less time spent outdoors and the fact that a lot of people are deficient in Vitamin D. Supplementing and walking outside in the sun will increase Vitamin D levels and strengthen your immune system.
- Being outside can reduce stress levels by lowering your heart rate and shifting your focus from problems to your environment.
- Taking a walk outside will help the brain produce endorphins, which are those feel good neurotransmitters responsible for regulating mood and they are the reason why you feel so good after exercising.
Learning and studying through reading can help you disconnect and also build more knowledge and skills such as So Good They Can’t Ignore You, and Linchpin.
Books like Mindset, The Power of Your Subconscious Mind, and Maximum Achievement can help you on a personal level to develop self confidence, belief, and peace of mind.
Another great book is one called Range: How Generalists Triumph in a Specialised World. If you want to know the surprising commonalities between some of the most influential people in the world across different fields we highly recommend you pick up a copy of this book and give it a read.
Is there something you’re really interested in or passionate about? Something you’ve thought about trying and would like to learn more? Or a goal you are currently working towards and need more help with?
Now could be a great time to buy a few books about those subjects and really dive in to expand your knowledge and skills. Your days will also pass by a lot quicker!
Our mental health and well being is of utmost importance. Now more so than ever. We’ve kept this for last because meditation is by far one of the most beneficial habits you can develop.
What is meditation? It’s being still and staying present and whilst you are aware of your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations you cast no judgement upon them. You simply notice them.
The biggest benefit is the fact when you meditate you feel less stressed and you are almost always in a better mood after it.
We hope this article has given you some ideas on how you can deal with worry and anxiety during these times and hopefully be more present, grateful, and at ease, because for now… we’re all ok.
If you found this article helpful let us know in the comments below and make sure to share it with a friend, family member, or anyone else you know who needs to read it!