For the next several weeks, we’re talking about reclaiming our power in the face of tragedy, as a direct response to the threat of COVID-19. I think we could all use a mind shift toward feeling more in control during this stressful time.
Are you hanging in there, lovelies? Remembering to breathe like we talked about in last week’s post?
Today we’re turning to a more complex topic: our emotions. They’re probably all over the place right now—and for good reason!
You may be stressed because a loved one has contracted the virus or works in a high-risk job, facing financial overwhelm due to loss of income, or just frustrated being stuck in your house with your entire family for weeks.
A lot of us are feeling intense emotions because of the pandemic, with few outlets for them. If you’re anxious, afraid, lonely, stressed-out, please know you’re not alone, and that all of your feelings are both VALID and NORMAL. It’s an overwhelming time, and your psyche is just trying to keep up and process everything!
Here are 6 ways to embrace your emotions:
1. It’s vital that you first notice, name, and accept what you’re feeling. Let the feelings flow through you, instead of letting them take up residence and take over your world.
2. Let’s say your mind is racing, your heart rate is elevated, and you’re feeling super anxious. You can help calm yourself by acknowledging you’re stressed and embracing what’s happening in your body physically and mentally.
3. You can also reframe your anxiety as a temporary state that will pass. Knowing uncomfortable emotions *will end* helps you focus on making it through them. Anxiety is a normal response to feeling helpless, and it’s ok to feel that way for a while.
4. Some people find that writing down worries and troubles can help get them outside of themselves and help their minds let go. And it’s not even necessary to write a lot—a simple list will do.
5. Later, when you’re feeling better (or even in that moment), you can try to brainstorm ideas for overcoming your list of challenges. It’s a bit like having a debate with yourself on paper—similar to a PRO and CON list.
6. And if that seems like too much, just allow yourself to feel whatever it is that’s coming up for you. Comfort yourself as you would a small child. Tell yourself it’s ok to cry, that emotions come through like storms sometimes, but that they always pass.
During this time of crisis, it’s more important than ever to show ourselves compassion, truly wrap ourselves in self-love, and accept all various parts of ourselves. Making it through a global nightmare like this is no easy task, and we need to be as kind as possible.
Remember to be gentle with yourselves!
Thinking About Signing Up for a Mini Session?
There’s only one mini session time available this week, so if you've been thinking about it now's the time. Mini sessions have been waitlisted the past few weeks, but I've got one new opening. So now's your chance. Let's chat. I'm happy to talk to you soon!
