We are seemingly at the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our resilience to coronavirus-related anxiety has both improved and also fallen apart for some.
Even at this stage, for a lot of people it is almost impossible to keep their minds away from the threat of coronavirus and its impact on our health, economy, loved ones, finances and employment status.
The coronavirus pandemic has been unprecedented and has impacted society and the way we live our lives every day. This future impacts on the world are still not clear, but clearly has implications in almost every sector.
With social distancing and self-isolation measures being reduced to almost none, how do we maintain our mental health and wellbeing? How do we recover after the last two years?
Start by managing your expectations
Go easy on yourself. Never underestimate the emotional load that this pandemic has brought, or the impact it has on your productivity. Expect periods of difficulty concentrating, low motivation or a state of distraction. During this lockdown, adaptation has taken time. For some, they have not adapted and are still struggling, so be kind to yourself as you settle into this new rhythm of remote work and isolation.
As you return to work, socialising and activities, be aware that you are no the only one feeling overwhelmed or having anxiety. Reach out and speak to others, as we can guarantee you that others are feeling the exact same way.
Set realistic goals both for yourselves and those around you.
Regulate your stress through routine
Prioritise your wellbeing, practising a good sleep and morning routine, exercising and eating well is a great place to start. This sounds like a lot perhaps, but all of these items contribute to a healthy mind and body. This was applicable before the pandemic too by the way!
Use this period to make the mental, emotional and physical shift into a new, rejuvenated life!
Be conscious of maintaining your steady routine. Avoid any inclination to lean on alcohol or other indulgences to manage stress. Moderation is key here. There is nothing wrong with indulging! But if you have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol or drugs, perhaps it is time to re-regulate and shift your behaviours to a more positive and powerful behaviour. If you have struggled with this in the past, this is what we work with at the Hypnosis and Therapy Centre. Feel free to read our long list of services that we provide.
Exercising is a positive way to lower your stress levels, regulate your emotions and improve your sleep. A steady routine helps manage anxiety and will help you to adapt more quickly to this current reality.
Ideally, in both your physical workspace and in your headspace, try to create clear distinctions between work and non-work time. Find something to do that isn’t Covid-19 or work-related that brings you joy.
Be compassionate with yourself and with others
A lot of our control has been taken away from us over the last two years. However, maintaining connections and how we talk to ourselves and others during these challenging times is still ours.
This outbreak has caused a lot of stress for everyone so we cannot expect to be our best selves all the time. Again, this is true pre-pandemic too! We may have been in social isolation, but we need not feel alone. Make sure to ask for help or to reach out to those who might need it.
It is important to understand that although we are nearing the end, the impacts of the last two years are still very real and need to be managed. We must help each other, but it starts with being compassionate with yourself.
Accessing therapy online post-Covid
Unusual times call for unusual, alternative solutions. Coronavirus has currently removed the essential ability of humans to meet up and support each other.
We have had to be creative and flexible in response to this crisis. This includes expanding the use of digital therapy for all of our sessions. Our sessions are all one-to-one and online via our Online Therapy Room or Zoom. They are 100% as effective as face-to-face. We have provided online sessions for many years to our clients worldwide, so this was nothing new to us!
As people have been unable to access face-to-face treatment due to ongoing Government restrictions, online support was the preferred route for many. Now that clinics are back open, people still feel that online sessions are preferred!
If you’re accessing online therapy from home, try and find a quiet space for this where you’re least likely to be disturbed. Wearing headphones during your sessions can help to block out any other background noise, so you’re not distracted by them. We have had clients sit in their car, or on their bed while they partake in our sessions, which shows the advantages of online sessions.
Online therapy is also an excellent way to stay connected to the outside world, which can boost your mood and wellbeing. Humans are social beings, so really try to make the most out of this!
Finally… Stay in the present
Take each day as it comes and only focus on the things you can control.
This is and has been a stressful time for all of us and will test your mental-health practices.
Choosing to embrace good mental health and wellbeing measures, and relying on others when necessary, we can protect ourselves and those around us.
For more information on how Hypnotherapy could help you make that life-changing positive change on your mindset, get in touch. Take the first step towards a healthier and happier life. For a Free Phone Consultation please fill out your details below and Caitríona or Fiachra will be in contact with you!
We have a number of blog articles which may be of interest. Read “Overcome Anxiety and Bring Calm to your Life” , “Boost Your Self-Confidence” and “How to Fall Asleep Fast Using Hypnosis”.