One of the reasons why I like to write is that it’s sort of like being a time traveler. I’m writing this in March 2020 and the world is rightfully worried about the Coronavirus. At the time of my writing this, all of Italy has been shut down.

You are in the future.

I am in the past.

Through these words, we can time travel.

Neat, huh?

When I was a kid, I loved Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Adams had a very dry British sense of humor. And if you’re not familiar with the sci-fi book, in the novel, the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy was basically a Kindle-like device that had “Don’t Panic!” written on the front.

Within the first two chapters of the book, the Earth is blown up to make way for a hyperspace highway.

And that’s not really giving anything away in the plot. Wow.

Don’t panic.

That’s good advice to my present self now as I look around at the news, and there’s a lot of fear, unknown variables, and concern in all sections of society.

A few days ago, the Center for Disease Control in the United States has advised anyone over 60 years of age to avoid large crowds. Here’s the text directly from the official website:

“During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible to reduce further your risk of being exposed.”

Doctors are recommending that older adults forego religious services, concerts, going shopping, or attending sporting events.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is considering playing games with no crowds.

Harvard University has told all of its students to not come back after spring break and that they’ll be able to attend classes online. Princeton, Columbia University and a handful of other universities have done the same.

Don’t panic.

My wife and I are getting messages from our school district about the possibility that our children’s schools might be closed shortly.

All options are on the table.

So, when we’re in the midst of a new and stressful situation, what’s the best thing to do?

Center yourself.

If you grew up in an alcoholic/dysfunctional environment like me, then you’re probably used to high-stress events, and you’re good at working in those situations. Adrenaline goes up, and you’re ready to rush into the fray. However, what if the situation lasts weeks, months, years?

What I have found to be most helpful over the last year is to meditate, do yoga, and read.

Each day I actively decide to listen to 19 minutes of a meditation session before work, and I read self-help books to help keep me in a positive frame of mind.

What I’ve learned is that I can’t switch off my feelings, and all the anxiety and stress goes away.

Instead, I embrace the stress and anxiety, love those parts of myself, and then let go.

I can make positive decisions to help myself. In the current Coronavirus event, I can decide not to watch too much of the news, I can eat healthily, get the sleep I need, and take precautions on washing my hands, and avoiding situations that could increase my risk of contracting the virus.

I may not be able to change the world, but I can handle my feelings and make decisions that will help me relax.

Here’s a simple tip to help you relax right now:

Take a slow and deep breath through your nose and clench your right fist as you breathe in. Hold the breath for a few seconds with your fist clenched, and then as you exhale, relax your hand. Do this a couple of times and you’ll feel better.

And remember, don’t panic.

We will get through this.

Like what you’ve read? Be sure to check out my other posts in my Let Go and Be Free blog.