How To Manage Stress During The Unknown
The outbreak of COVID-19 may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in not only adults but also children. We at West Bay Pharmacy want to give you some helpful tips and pointers in managing your stress during this time. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.
Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include:
- Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
- Changes in sleep or eating patterns
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Worsening of chronic health problems
- Worsening of mental health conditions
Here are some reminders that are necessary while managing the unknown. This was not part of the plan but yet we are here. We hope these help you preserve your energy through this process.
Things To Be Reminded of While Quarantined:
- It’s okay to move through the various stages of grief
- Take care of yourself
- People can experience the same thing and have different reactions
- Being busy is not an accurate measure of worth
- Connection is healing
- Surrender by embracing what is
- Hobbies are important
- There’s always a way to help others
- Be content
- Be grateful for the little things
- We can’t force people to do things
- Sometimes we have to wait
- The wait is not always easy
For some of us, spending time alone is a real struggle. Being alone doesn’t have to be lonely or boring. Find ways to make the time you have with yourself enjoyable. Are you comfortable spending time alone?
How To Enjoy Your Own Company:
- Get to know yourself (journal or explore self discovery questions)
- Play by yourself (cards, games, coloring)
- Explore your hobbies or find a hobby
- Have a solo date (movie night, special dinner, dance party)
- Speak to yourself kindly (the way you would to a friend or a kid)
- Embrace the solitude (meditate, think, rest)
You got this! We hope you’re staying safe and sane while the world is on this temporary, unexpected detour. We want you to know that we are here for you. If you need to get in touch with us, fax or e-mail us here.
Take care and stay safe.
West Bay Pharmacy
Finding Peace In A Pandemic
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, many of us have had time to reevaluate our lives and the people around us. After all, it’s always easier to appreciate things when they are suddenly taken away from you, even if it’s temporary. Therefore, it’s no surprise most of us seek human comfort now more than ever before and are finding ways to have wholesome social experiences even while following the rules of social distancing. We at West Bay Pharmacy have comprised a list of ways to connect while being quarantined:
Things Not Worth Postponing:
- Telling people that we love them
- Apologizing when we are wrong
- Making necessary changes
- Showing self-love
- Finding joy
- Living intentionally
- Spending time with people we care about
The fear, anxiety, and uncertainty many of us may be experiencing at the moment does not have to consume us. Instead, be deliberate about reclaiming who we are and making space for things that nurture us and allow us to support those around us. Although we are in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, it’s important to remember to keep our core values and continue supporting each other. A crisis does not mean:
- Our boundaries no longer matter
- We stop caring about the people around us
- We need to suppress/deny our emotions
- We should go back to unhealthy yet familiar relationships
- Our healing and growth will have to stop
- We have the right to lash out or mistreat others
- Our emotions become invalid
Let’s remember that we can learn and grow even in difficult times – if we let ourselves. This journey will look different for everyone, but we are an active agent in how life experiences shape us. Here are just a couple of things we think hard moments can teach us:
- Resilience
- Patience
- Love
- Endurance
- Forgiveness
- Awareness
- Adaptability
What are your personal lessons from experiencing this pandemic? What has it taught you? Thanks for taking the time to read this. We are still open at all three locations for your health and life needs!
