corona: the latest edition
Getting through omicron with resilience
People are understandably fatigued by this pandemic, more noticeably in parts of the US with tighter masking and rules. While I understand the need to take action, reduce the spread of this virus and serious outcomes, I do have a concern for the impact this approach has on the human psyche.
What is the cost of the slow grind on the vitality of the human spirit? We will find out.
Clearer communication regarding knowns/unknowns on this newest variant would ease worry, but unfortunately that doesn’t seem to be happening. Developing resilience and tolerance of ongoing stress takes time to build but is possible. This is how I’ve approached the pandemic to keep myself steady and decrease stress. One of the things I started off with was restorative yoga… for a few months. In essence, I believe this pandemic provides an opportinity for each of use to be proactive about our heath, by learning the body’s needs, adjusting lifestyle, improving nourishment (not limited to food) and retraining the brain/central nervous system to relax. Prevention and maintenance are key.
Rebalance physical health: engaging in routine physical activity (walking works), consulting allopathic and integrative providers to guide health restoration, adopting Dr Weil’s anti-inflammatory diet (reduced sugar, processed foods, increase in veggies, fruits), and adding vit D which supports immunity and mood. The pandemic is interrupting everyone’s medical and dental care prompting an increase in complications unseen before, I suggest stepping in the opposite direction by maintaining checkups.
Understand mental health needs: The pandemic can feel like an exercise in ‘know thyself’- through problem solving which hopes to improve stress, anxiety, mood and quality of life. This might mean each person could benefit from reflecting on the amount of social contact needed, or pandemic risk that is tolerable. One’s support system might need updating. Exercise may benefit from a refresher due to a sedentary lifestyle or decline in habits. Creativity or nature might beg a visit. If its challenging to cut through any of these areas, would professional help (counseling, etc) undo barriers to progress? Below suggestions expand on some of these points this further….
Maintain connection with others: This might look like going on walks with neighbors or meeting freinds for coffee. Even if discouraged, workarounds mean creating social ‘pods’ or bundling up in the winter so an outdoor meet is comfortable. Human contact is essential to our health, that includes eye contact. We are social beings. I’ve heard a few patients of mine declare a rediscovery of the power of in-person meetings (after a period of online-only 12 step). This also might translate into talking out persanal needs for masking or testing. Then share a hug. Hugs may help stress and the immune system. My funny dog is a great companion as well (below).
Reduce negativity or at least pace it: This typically translates into less tv news, more printed news (more to be said about this separately), less social media, spending time around folks with positive/forward thinking. If you have to be around others who lean negative, keep it time limited. The flip side of this is find the funny, engage in play, humor, watch standup, whatever it takes to get a chuckle and break the heaviness.
Seek inspiration: I’m slooooowly reading Ram Dass’ Living the Bhagavad Gita. Its dense and contemplative. I have other books and podcasts I visit for perspective related to; Ram Dass, Thich Nhat Hanh, Joseph Goldstein, Sharon Salzberg, Jack Kornfield. Their timeless and compassionate teachings focus on the human condition which doesn’t seem to change too much, oddly enough. Finding a view that lifts, reading a little bit daily, is helpful. I’d like to add, spending time in nature can be inspiring too, whether its about star gazing, river listening, tree watching. Engage the senses.
Quiet the mind: Listening to contemplative talks (examples above), communing with nature and prayer, can build towards a meditative practice. Many styles exist, for the restless mind a focus on movement or breath can be an entry point (yoga, qi gong, walking meditation), before a seated practice. I found restorative and yin yoga very nourishing, it can help an over-tired nervous system struggling with sleep, fatigue or anxiety. There are multiple traditions to mention regarding meditation- this will probably need to be a separate discussion. Whatever you do, start slow, keep meditation brief (five minutes?). If thats challenging, breath awareness (also known as pranayama) is something I use as well. Practices that cultivate concentration can help quiet the mind (knitting, gardening, etc)… there are so many options! Personally, I use yoga, meditation, walking and reading.
Take on a project: Excess free time is not good either, household projects keep me busy (fixing small things), creative projects (cooking something new), you get the idea. Others explore bread baking. The mind needs projects to focus on, like building a shelf, coloring books, gardening… otherwise IF left to its own device it creates problems to fix!
All of the above are simple (though not necessarily easy) ways to keep the mind and body cared for, so it can better navigate this pandemic. Nourishing the spirit, allowing the the mind to quiet opens the door to personal benefits… life is for living.
Here is my dog Wacha, who is a bit of a character.