Uncertainty & Coping

It is a matter of fact that things around the globe have changed so much in the past few months due to COVID-19. Now, things have resumed to get back to normal. However, the new normal comes with certain adjustments. The year 2020 has brought a lot of change & uncertainty in our lives. The novel coronavirus has truly changed the world around us. We were shown the unpredictability of life.

We have experienced anger, frustration and anxiety on some point or the other during this pandemic. It had affected our emotional, professional, health and all the other aspects of our lives. In some cases, the lockdown had led to changed roles, in terms of added work pressure or managing multiple roles at home or work.

There were also some individuals who unfortunately lost their jobs and must have gone through a lot of financial as well as emotional difficulties and challenges. Some people have faced a crippling effect of financial tussle, so much so that they did not know if they were going to be able to afford their next meal or the month’s rent. The lockdown also took a toll on individuals who came from abusive homes.

 Unfortunately, as the world and the nation were in the four walls, these individuals had no escape, they would have had to face these struggles on their own with nowhere to go. Having diseases like diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and severe heart conditions are an increased risk to contracting COVID-19, especially with the geriatric population.

These comorbidities, by themselves are severe and now with the deadly coronavirus, it had brought a state of fear for most individuals. Now that the city is opening up and things have started going back to what they were, it is still not really the same. Yes, people are going out more often than before, and more public places are opening up, however, it is our duty to be cautious and take all necessary precautions. Here are some coping strategies that can help us in the process of getting back:

Here are some coping strategies that can help us in the process of getting back:

  • Start small. We cannot control the world around us; however, we can choose to do things we want or like. For example, reading your favourite book or watching your favourite tv show, basically anything and everything that makes you feel happy and makes you feel like yourself again. Only when you are fulfilled, you will have energy to divulge into other tasks.
  • Compartmentalise your tasks which are to be done. Even if you only did 5% of the work for the day, it is okay. Be proud of yourself for getting up and doing that 5 %.
  • Do not put the pressure on yourself to multitask. Look at one situation at a time and keeping marking them off.
  • It is okay to do some tasks later. Rome was not built in a day. Take small breathers,
  • Relaxing and taking proper rest are the most important components of coping

These above mentioned few strategies are short term based to get you through the day or week. If you feel that the stress that you are experiencing is very overwhelming, consider seeking out for professional help. Therapy helps set long term goals with long term solutions.

Written by – Ms. Ridhi Soni