Anxiety and high-stress levels have played a significant role in the COVID-19 pandemic.
It has profound effects on almost every aspect of life. In what ways can your spiritual life help you cope with pandemic stress? Use the adjustments you made in your life—both personally and professionally—during the pandemic, as well as your mental and spiritual development, to your advantage in your post-pandemic life.
Society will need time to recover from the pandemic’s stress, and poor healing may result in more problems. Pandemic pressure needs to be fixed like a fractured bone. There are a lot of psychological and spiritual healing stores near me to learn that can help me deal with similar circumstances in the future.
Try these strategies to soothe your spiritual soul if you’re experiencing post-pandemic stress:
First Of All, Know That You Are Not Lonely
As we handle this uncertain period, it is normal to experience worry, anxiety, and stress. If you have cancer or another chronic condition, COVID-19 probably only magnifies the fear and confusion. Anxiety commonly occurs when we think we can’t understand the future or manage stress. Remember that you are not lonely when you come across someone; smile and start a conversation. You’ll be happy to know how much these small steps may bring happiness around you!
Try Different Breathing Exercises
Although it may sound absurd, when we experience worry, our bodies trigger the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares us to fight, run, or freeze. This can be beneficial when there is an immediate threat, like receiving a cancer diagnosis or dealing with a brand-new pandemic.
A healthy “burst” of the sympathetic nervous system may assist you in developing a strategy for cancer treatment, including surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, and enhancing good habits. Constantly feeling overburdened, however, can have detrimental bodily effects like hypertension and worsened pain, as well as mental effects like sadness and anxiety. We anticipate that those dealing with chronic conditions will find this significantly worse.
Making time to practice breathing exercise, which includes taking slow breaths through the nostrils, counting to 4, and releasing for four counts, is the fastest way to induce the sympathetic nervous system and reduce what we refer to as a “supportive outburst.”
Consider it a means to restore your energy so you can handle the coming stress with more “emotional bandwidth.” It also allows you to spend some time in the now, giving you a break from worrying about the future or focusing too much on the past. Do this three times a day for ten minutes. Use meditative apps like headspace, calm, etc., to relax, breathe and control anxiety.
It’s Okay To Ask for Help
Many people find it challenging to request help, particularly those who have already relied on social support to get through their cancer experiences. The insecurity underlying asking for help—fear of being a burden, fear of being exposed, rejection—typically causes people to hesitate. The truth is that most people not only want to help but also find joy, meaning, and purpose in helping others, especially in these troubling times. People also feel good by helping others. Avoid stealing people’s affection toward you.
Look For The Positive And Offer Kindness
This could seem challenging in social detachment or isolation, but it is possible if you use your imagination. To let them know you are thinking about them, email someone you know who could be afraid and alone. Send thank-you notes to those who have assisted. If you utilize social media, post encouraging messages.
Pay attention to the positive things on purpose. It is simple to become engaged in news reports. There is a lot of good going on. Neighbors keep an eye on one another, restaurants and schools give kids free meals, and strangers offer to go grocery shopping for the needy. When living with a chronic illness and the fear of contracting COVID-19, it may seem as though the world is working against you. Therefore, look for a “tell me something wonderful” story whenever you watch the news to help balance the message.
Choose A Mantra
When anxiety levels rise, you can quickly think or speak this simple but effective sentence.
Not a lifetime, but for a limited time. Stay there where your feet are. I can survive this storm. I can adjust to life usually and start that by today by speaking these words and changing negative self-statements. But now, instead of saying, “But I’m so lonely,” you say, “I’m lonely, yet I’m happy for the relationships I have.”
Realize That Time Is Everything
Avoid watching the news, mobiles, etc., in the early morning and late at night. Do your morning routine, Keep a thankfulness journal, and list three things for which you are grateful. This contributes to establishing the day’s mood.
While keeping up with this developing situation is essential, taking pauses from the news is equally crucial. Sleep is necessary, and anything that keeps you up late is unlikely to alter your behavior before morning—aside from losing sleep!
Concentrate On What You Can Manage
As instructed by your doctors, take care of yourself and keep your treatments and doctor’s appointments. Recognize that social withdrawal and isolation are not a punishment but a safeguard for the labor and medical care you have already undergone to treat or manage your disease. It is the best method we are aware of for keeping your health. We don’t know how long we need to practice social distancing, but it’s only temporary.
Look For Ways To Be Active And Involved In Society
Social isolation does not necessarily indicate a lack of connection. This is important to keep in mind if you’re struggling to manage your disease while also dealing with the stress that COVID-19 is causing. Stay connected online during this period. To connect with social support networks, use social media, video chat, and text messages. Discuss your worries and insecurities. Sharing makes it easier to feel connected when you most need it.
Your well-being depends on having emotionally supportive relationships and meaningful interactions. Ask about teleconferencing if you attend a cancer support group rather than in-person gatherings. We all feel alone, so check in on people more than you typically would. Use video connections if you have internet access to spend time with others. Ask someone who can assist if you are unsure how to use any of these technologies. Consider platforms like Facetime, Zoom, Google Duo, and Skype.
Conclusion
In this scenario, spirituality has a capability that allows you to choose your objectives and feel responsible for your actions or choices. Spirit takes us away from the entire universe of negative emotions, laziness, and hopelessness. You may easily manage your anxiety by using strategies for integrating spirituality into daily life. Your self-concept is improved because spirituality encourages self-acceptance and helps you to believe in yourself. Self-acceptance makes it easier to set boundaries for your efforts and improves your capacity for self-definition.