MDF Magazine Issue 62 7 August 2020 (7)

Healthy
of emotional response. And this too is normal (even though it
feels like it’s not). Sometimes we need to do something extra
to manage our emotions on our own.
Tip: Art and writing.
Art and writing have been used throughout history for
expression. We may not be the next Michelangelo or Edgar
Allen Poe, but we can create. Whether it’s painting, drawing,
journaling, or even cooking, we can use our emotions to fuel
our creativity. Even if it seems like something we have no
interest in ‒ we can’t knock it til’ [sic] we’ve tried it.
Anything is better than sitting around in dread staring at the
wall. And we may be pleasantly surprised at how it turns out.
5. The “Anywhere is better than here” moment.
This happens when we are completely fed up with being in
the same place. Whether we’re self-quarantined at home,
or circling from home to work to the store, and back again,
we’re done. We need a change of scenery; we need an escape.
Tip: Read.
Reading is one of the most straightforward ways to escape
from our environment (besides TV). If we’re tired of Netflix
or trying to cut our screen time down, we should consider
taking some time to read. If we’re a more visual person, there
are comics and graphic novels. Or if we’re not into fiction,
finding a book about a topic we’re passionate about might
hold our attention. And if we’re not willing to commit to the
length of a book, then short stories, articles, or blogs may be
the right speed.
6. The “I don’t want to get out of bed” moment.
This happens when we feel like it’s all too much. Enough
said.
Tip: Develop a minimal self-care routine.
I feel this. We don’t want to do a damn thing ‒ our motivation
to do anything is a big fat zero.
We can give ourselves a break by making a minimal
routine of self-care. The list should include three to five things
max. Feel free to borrow from my “barely sure if I still exist”
essentials list:
>> Take a shower while listening to music.
>> Brush teeth.
>> Change into clean and comfortable clothes.
>> Have a glass of something delicious like hot cocoa,
lemonade, or tea.
>> Listen to a guided meditation.
The list can be whatever is comforting but gets us to move
around for a bit. It’ll all feel better after. Trust me. When we
finish the routine, and the bed is still calling our name, get
some rest.
7. The “I’m about to lose my sh*t” moment.
Okay, we’ve done everything we can. But it just isn’t enough.
We are still overwhelmed by sadness, anger, and anxiety.
Tip: 10-minute rule.
This is the last resort technique. This is used when all other
stress-management methods haven’t worked.
Pick a place. Preferably alone. We give ourselves 10 minutes
to completely feel whatever emotion we’re experiencing.
If we need to curl up in bed and cry, do it. If it makes us feel
better to hit a punching bag (or a pillow), do it. If running out
to an empty field or forest to scream bloody murder helps,
then do it. But only for 10 minutes max. Doing anything full
force for 10 minutes is usually tiring.
This fatigue serves to replace the overwhelming emotion.
After 10 minutes, stop. Move on and do something calming
to end the exercise and provide some comfort. Stretch. Drink
a glass of water. Take a shower. Eat a snack.
But most importantly, let it go.
There’s never been a manual for how to best handle life ‒ and
COVID-19 has rewritten whatever guideline we thought we
had. The way we managed life before, may not be possible
at the moment. But it is still possible to make it through this.
We’re are [sic] doing our best with what we have at the
moment. I hope this serves as a reminder that we are not
alone in this fight.
Article available at: https://www.elephantjournal.com/2020/05/7-moments-well-experience-during-covid-19-and-tips-to-deal-withthem/?fbclid=IwAR1e4i7CmRJ_dk-txjFdWfBbJao-
1woQYMrHop388fes2Qt3FtWZFwHsBZEs
"Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more.
If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never,
ever have enough." — Oprah Winfrey
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