Karl Jung believed that in times of difficulty there is an opportunity to make profound changes in your life to re-evaluate what is important and assesses priorities.
In previous generations economic depressions and wars gave individuals perspective about giving back and keeping life simple, perhaps we will look back on this time as a gift to appreciate the small things in life. Feeling grateful for health, social freedom, kindness and nature.
Self-isolation measures will help all of us reduce the spread of COVID-19 however this unfortunate measure means no face- to-face contact for sometime with our family, friends, work colleagues or school friends. This can bring up many psychological issues similar to quarantine with the rise of poor mental health, anxiety, low mood, disturbed sleep and in some cases an unsafe living environment due to domestic violence. Warning signs can be withdrawing, irritability, forgetfulness, low mood, procrastination and alcohol abuse.
A big impact is the sense of ‘Freezing of Time’ where everything is put on hold as well as financial ramifications that many of us are experiencing.
During this time it is likely that your stress level will rise because you may need to make difficult decisions that can trigger your level of anxiety and mental health. Break down the previous positive strategies you have put in place to support yourself, exercise, listen to music, using virtual technology to speak family and friends can all be helpful.
Issues that may arise for you; finding the motivation to start the day with a shower and to exercise, or a adapting to a confined space to work from. Be careful that a reliance on alcohol, poor meal choices and unhealthy habits can take over the best-made plans.
Utilise this time, in 12 months time when you look back how do you want to feel about it what may you like to accomplish or develop. Slowing time down and not having distractions from the outside world can create an enriching time, both emotionally and spiritually.
There is less hustle and bustle in our lives and slowing down from the distractions give us an opportunity to take one day at a time and appreciate what we do have.
Suggestions
Personal Wellbeing Plan
- Writing a list of things you have been putting off that you can do ie. Learn a new language, read all of Shakespeare’s works, take up yoga on the small space in front of you, the musical instrument in the cupboard, painting and drawing, writing a book etc
- Podcasts, E books, TV shows
- Singing & dancing in the digital world
- Cull possessions, cloths & books
- Connecting with an animal if you have one or adopting one through the RSPCA
- Meditate and breath
There are unintended climate benefits at this time with animals and birds returning to cities that are a lot quieter and environment has improving by the reduction CO2 emissions. Fish are swimming in the clear canals of Venice, parts of China now have blue skies that have not been seen for many years and even the Himalayas are once again visible. Lets hope that nature’s quick response to humans curtailing our movement is something that continues and that world leaders take this into consideration when making their policies.
Helpful links
headtohealth.gov.au/covid-19-support/covid-19
beyondblue.org.au
gatesfoundation.org/TheOptimist/coronavirus