If posts about people cleaning cupboards, doing yoga, crafting, making preserves and cookies is causing you to worry or panic that you’re not in that “positive” space, breathe low and slow, and know that you are not alone. This isn’t a sprint to a predetermined finish line, it’s a marathon and we are all in it together.
Covid-19 has changed how the world works. It’s ok to pause and it’s more than ok to be experiencing grief (whether we recognize it or not) because the new reality is that there are people all over the globe that are sick or afraid of becoming sick. They have lost loved ones, jobs, clients, incomes, autonomy, roles, identity and hopes and dreams. Fear and anxiety comes with the territory.
Shallow, upper chest breathing is part of a typical stress response but if your ribs are a bit sore, your chest feels tight, or you feel more light headed, a bit dizzy and feel tingly in your face or hands, chances are you are over-breathing, which can prolong feelings of anxiety.
The good news is, it’s not too late to notice it and fix it. We breathe effectively when our lower belly rises when we fill our lungs with air. Slow it down. Breathe in and out slowly through the nose and extend the exhale so that it’s longer than the inhale.
Don’t
- overthink
- catastrophize
- hyperfocus on the future, and get caught up in what-ifs
- drown in negative, doom-filled thoughts.
Do
- meditate and relax
- do things that truly soothe you
- face fear and feel it and if you find it hard talk to a trusted professional
- remind yourself that you are resilient and resourceful, and full of courage.
When we are afraid, we ought not to occupy ourselves with endeavoring to prove that there is no danger, but in strengthening ourselves to go on in spite of the danger. Mark Rutherford.
Leanne French Relationship Expert & Counsellor 
one of the things i’m having difficulty with is all the people who are able to clean cupboards work in gardens etc. I’m suddenly thrust in to teaching on-line (polytech diploma and degree level) with no resources at all, no time to prepare etc and am working harder than I have ever worked i my life (and I’m almost 64) and in a very stressful way – live broadcasts of my classes (tech is NOT my middle name). I’d love to spend the time in the garden, but I have spent less time in the garden than normal
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That nearly was my blog post for the day. I feel for you. Some people (like you) are totally working harder than usual. It impacts everyone in such different ways and we must be aware of the myriad of ways people are being affected. You have such a beautiful garden and it and the animals must miss you. I hope the stress eases x
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