I wonder if I’ll look back at these days and what I’ll think. As I write this, all schools are closed in my state (and in many others as well) due to the Coronavirus pandemic. In my county, all restaurants are switching over to being takeout only, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended that all gatherings of 50+ people be canceled for the next eight weeks (weddings, conferences, sporting events, etc.).

People’s way of life is dramatically changing across the globe.

In these uncertain times, I’m finding that it is more important than ever to focus on self-care. My kids’ stress levels are high, as are those of my family members, neighbors, and colleagues.

Am I stressed?

Yes, I’m worried. I feel anxious, and the unknown parts are hardest to deal with because of the instability.

I go to bed thinking that the new normal has been set only to wake up and see that more restrictions have been put into place.

What to do?

I’m going to focus on what I can and cannot control.

When I wake up in the middle of the night and feel anxious, I say the Serenity prayer:

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

If you do not believe in God, that’s fine. Just speak to the universe and ask it to grant you serenity. The purpose here is to let go of the things that you can’t change but to take action on what you can.

When you are in crisis, some key steps are to focus on your physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.

If you’re in a life-threatening crisis, get help immediately. There is no shame in reaching out for help.

To deal with anxiety, I’ve found that setting set events in my day to be helpful:

• Morning and night meditations

• Journal writing

• Exercise (walk, run, aerobics, whatever)

• Play and have fun

Yes, we need to take care of our bodies, but it’s also important to have fun and to break the cycle of stress, anxiety, and worry.

What helps calm you down that’s healthy for you? (That can be the tricky part.)

Whatever that is, make time in your day to do that.

You are in control of your own destiny.

One day at a time.

Peace.

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