5 ways to combat overload during Covid-19

Take action

There’s a saying we have in our family when someone is so stressed they become immobile. We say….”just do SOMETHING!” It doesn’t matter what it is, but sitting there thinking too much leads to trouble. My grandmother used the say “idle hands are the Devil’s workshop.” I think that’s true of busy, frantic minds as well. If we watch the news, go online, listen to podcasts, the anxiety just keeps going up and up. So the first thing I do is turn everything off and get moving. Shut down the TV and computer and silence the phone. Find SOMETHING to do.

When we feel overwhelmed, we are soothed by finding a sense of control. The first days of the crisis were filled with things like figuring out how to get home, getting supplies from depleted grocery stores, making sure prescriptions were filled, making sure the dog had food….you get the idea. The next step was creating some order in our home. My son needed a space to continue his college studies. My husband and I each needed a place to work. Most importantly, we needed to agree as a family on a new schedule and structure for day-to-day tasks. Once our immediate needs were taken care of, my mind began to race. This is where things usually get tough for me. Remembering my grandmother’s advice, I knew my mind needed to be anything but idle.

Find others to share the journey

Social distancing has created a world where it is very easy to feel alone. We are created with a need to share the journey of life with others. How do we do this when we are self-quarantined at home? This is where I find the following practices really helpful.

• Reach out to friends and family by phone or text…or Zoom.
• Use technology and social media to share the experience with others.
• Find others who share things which make you smile, give you hope and provide a respite.
• If you are quarantined with others, use the time to talk and share…not just sit and binge watch.

Get moving

If you’re anything like me, you have a to do list that’s a mile long. This is the time to tackle some of those chores we never get around to. There is also the luxury of time spent doing things like walking the dog and gardening. Get out and take a walk (keeping your distance of course) or work out at home. So many people are sharing at home workouts or meeting virtually for yoga. In these times of feeling completely overwhelmed, we all need those endorphins. It’s simple .Find something you like to do which involves moving and get to it.

Do something for others

I don’t know about you, but I love the stories in the news and online about how people are stepping up to do things for others. When we move our focus outside our immediate surroundings, it can help with overwhelm and make the situation just a bit better. In our community there is a restaurant owner who is using food on hand to feed restaurant workers who have been laid off without pay. I’ve seen different groups making masks for emergency personnel. We all know people who live alone or are at high risk if they go out. Maybe offer to pick up some groceries? Call someone who’s lonely. If you really want to share a smile, give a roll (or two) of toilet paper to a neighbor. The possibilities are really endless.

Connect with your faith

If you are a person of faith, this is a trying time. Many of us have a calendar filled with activities at our local church, synagogue, or temple. These gatherings don’t just help us fill our hearts but often provide our sense of community. In the first week of the Covid-19 pandemic, I was relieved to see so many people figuring out how to bring faith practices online. My husband and I were able to watch services online the first week of the pandemic. Additionally, I am a huge fan of the Bible App. I open it each morning to see the verse of the day and read a passage in my current study. They have just created a prayer tracker which is also a good way to make sure you send out some love for all those on your list each day.

Look for the little extra

In the end, no matter what we do we can’t possibly know what will happen in the coming weeks. These 5 ways to combat overload during the Covid-19 pandemic are a good start. There are so many variables and stresses, but this blog is called “Three Quarters Full” for a reason. No matter how scared and overwhelmed we feel, there is always good….always a little extra. I believe there is more good in the world than bad. This is the time for us all to rise up and do our part to make it that way. It’s a time to look for what is right instead of what is wrong. Now is when we come together. I’m optimistic enough to believe we will come out of this period stronger than ever. Just look to history for all the times humankind has did it in the past. This might just be a time for our divisiveness to give way to our oneness.

To read more about our 8 Ways to Wellness read this blog post next. And don’t miss out on our FREE resource, 8 Quick Ways to Boost Wellness, which you can get here.