How to stay happy during COVID-19
Coping with self isolation and anxiety during lockdown
It’s easy to feel consumed by the negativity that COVID-19 surrounds us with right now. We are fearful how deeply it may affect our families, ourselves and our communities. It may feel difficult to find joy in the mass panic. However, alike any other time in our lives, it is detrimental that you acknowledge the things you are achieving and the moments of goodness that you are experiencing.
It’s the little moments
This is something you may have heard before. These little pockets of joy can sometimes be a revelation in our lives. Currently, that may take form as watching your child grow confident in-home schooling, completing a work task that is well appreciated and sharing laughter with friends over a phone call. Look to these moments to see how valuable your personal and working connections can be in providing a temporary distraction from your struggles. You may be surprised how much progress you could make with those little moments in a therapy session. The little moments build to one larger happier reality.
Look to the children
There may be something to learn from our children right now. They are finding ways to see joy in the isolation, by being creative. Filling their spaces with things they find beautiful and are an expression of themselves. In adulthood, it is likely we have a more practical view of our world and this may add to your frustration about being trapped in your home. Try journaling, exercising and even drawing. Express what’s going on in your head and how you’re coping. A therapist will go through techniques and activities to incorporate as part of your routine to help give you moments of relief. Consider joining your children and let your imagination run with theirs.
Embrace the nothing
It may be that the slowing down of your routine, is what seems to be making you feel unhappy. Embrace it. This window of time is the perfect opportunity for self-growth. It will allow you to focus in on things that you don’t usually have time for. Be with yourself alone, notice the thoughts that are troubling you and communicate things you have wanted to say. Take this moment to speak to a therapist about thoughts, feelings and experiences that you have held inside. Allow yourself to be honest with yourself. When you do come out of isolation, you can feel readied to approach life with a new and happier perspective.
For more information on online dating or to get advice today, contact Jay at jay@thetherapyroom.co.
