Lemons or Lemonade?
How are you feeling about the current challenges and impact of the Covid-19 crisis?
There are so many variables that make this time of uncertainty and physical distancing especially challenging. Work issues, financial issues, parenting, health concerns, isolation, concern for others…
What is most challenging for you? How are you coping?
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Remember that you are only human:
There are so many things that we can’t control. Strive to do your best and let go of what you can’t control. Let yourself, and others, be a work in progress. - Have compassion for yourself and others
We share some common challenges and concerns, but we also have different situations and stressors. We can only do our best. If you are juggling both working from home and childcare/homeschool, be kind and flexible to yourself and your kids. There is no way to ‘do it all’ or ‘do it perfectly’. If you live alone and are feeling especially isolated, be kind to yourself and look for creative ways to connect with others. - Create some structure in your schedule
Having a plan, even a flexible plan (my favorite kind), can be very helpful. It can help us create a new normal. Structure creates safety for our brain, and this helps us manage anxiety. Set some goals for the day and week. - Make a bucket list
Brainstorm a list of projects, tasks, and activities. Having a list will help you stay on track as you set goals for your week. A list can help us realize that we do have multiple options and opportunities. We may gain a sense of control and accomplishment as we check things off. - Step up Self-Care
Do what you can to take care of yourself. Be kind to yourself, create some structure, exercise (take a walk, do an on-line workout), eat healthy food, allow time to relax, connect with others on the phone, facetime or zoom.
If you can’t figure out self-care options, ask a friend for help. - Schedule a Telehealth Session
Contact me to schedule a virtual session. It is easy, safe and confidential.
I would love to hear from you. What is helping you? What is challenging you? Please feel free to email me with your thoughts and questions at linda@stilescounseling.com
Articles & Resources
11 Ways to Stay Married Amid Coronavirus Concerns | Time In fact, after COVID-19 cases began to subside in China and people were able to go out again, there was a reported surge in divorce filings. Even now, domestic violence appears to be on the rise …
https://time.com/5811146/coronavirus-married-relationship/
How curiosity can help you be optimistic right now
Being optimistic during difficult times requires understanding the lesson you want to learn and switching your mindset from trying to “get” things to trying “receive,” writes David Sherry, founder of Death to Stock. “When you look for the lesson, you switch into curiosity and you move out of fear,” he argues.
https://www.caffeine.blog/posts/pascals-optimism
Leading ourselves: Key questions in the time of coronavirus
Breathing exercises, journaling and seeking inspiration are three small ways you can help yourself navigate stress during crisis, write Dr. David Fessell and Daniel Goleman. “These gentle reminders of the good we are doing can help shift our perspective to a higher level, one of heightened awareness of our interconnectedness and common humanity”.
Turning Point Virtual Programs
A gathering place for individuals and families living with serious or chronic physical illness.
Programs currently available virtually:
M&M’s: Music, Metta, Mindfulness and Meditation, Mondays, April 6-27, 5:30-7 p.m.
Yoga in Chairs, Mondays, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Meditation, Wednesdays, 10-11a.m.
Metastatic Cancer Group, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-Noon
Supporting the Supporters, Wednesdays, 12:30-2 p.m.
Moving for Life, Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Pilates for Everyone, Thursdays, 11:30-12:30
Yoga in Chairs, Thursdays, 4-5 p.m.
Mindful Movement, Fridays, 11 a.m.-Noon
If you would like to register for any of the above programs, please email
Abby Barry at abarry3@kumc.edu
Quotes & Inspiration
“It is worth remembering that the time of greatest gain in terms of wisdom and inner strength is often that of greatest difficulty”. – Dali Lama”
“This too will pass. It might pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass”. – unknown
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