The quarantine as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected each of us in different ways. For some, the past six or seven months have been an enriching time for self-improvement and growth. For others, it has been emotionally and mentally crippling. If you are one of the people who have found it extremely difficult to survive this pandemic unscathed, you are not alone. According to Statistics Canada, 24% of Canadians reported “fair or poor mental health” as opposed to 8% in 2018.
Even though it’s apparent that many people are experiencing the adverse effects of the pandemic, it’s hard not to wonder why some people around you seem so happy. The truth is that each personality type is unique and there is no right or wrong way to cope with these unprecedented circumstances. If you’ve thrived during this particularly difficult time, don’t feel guilty for your own joy and remember to give yourself some credit. That being said, it doesn’t have to be one or the other! Many people are experiencing waves of extreme highs and lows during this pandemic.
The introvert in me has taken advantage of the time I now have to unwind and recharge. There has been ample opportunity to experiment with my art and take time for myself. However, with alone time comes loneliness, the secondary plague of COVID-19. Feeling alone in such an uncertain time leaves questions like, “What am I doing? Where am I going? Who am I?”. All of these questions are challenging to wrestle with but there are many things that can be done to alleviate this weighing feeling.
I don’t have all the answers, but I know that there is no point in trying to answer all of these arduous questions. An important lesson that I’ve learned is that even if you think you know where your life is taking you, it will take you somewhere else. There are always unknowns and there will always be anxieties tied to these unknowns. Instead of dwelling on the “what ifs,” redirect that energy toward the things in life you do have control over. First things first: the now. You, wherever you are and whichever circumstance you find yourself in, have the ability to manage how you deal with your current situation.
There is joy to be discovered in the uncertain moments. In the current climate, we can’t anticipate what will happen next. This is why it is even more important to adjust our patterns of thought and modify our behaviours accordingly. Try to break out of your comfort zone and do something that brings you joy, no matter how silly it may seem. Rewatch Sex and the City, try out yoga, or learn how to skateboard! Do anything that will distract you from the heavy feeling that this pandemic has brought about.
Although our current culture focuses on self-improvement, it can be just as therapeutic to assist others. Helping a friend, neighbour or family member can change the entire landscape of your day. This can act as a ‘reset’ and help shift internal worry to doing a helpful favour or activity instead. It’s okay to give your mind a break from the ongoing drone of worried thoughts in the back of your mind that you just can’t seem to silence. You will not regret it, I promise.
Here’s one way to start your mindfulness path: write down three things you will do for your mental health, making sure to throw a selfless one in there too. For some inspiration, mine are the following: (1) Painting! (2) Pilates! (3) Reaching out to a friend and asking if they need anything.
We will come out of this stronger, more skilled and equipped with valuable lessons. Now start that list, I mean it!