Dealing With Overwhelming Feelings
We are all dealing with such huge changes to our daily lives and many of us are feeling overwhelmed by negative thoughts and emotions that we can’t seem to control. Some people are learning to work from home, or have suddenly becoming homeschoolers for their children, and we are all being asked to forego our regular social activities for the safety of ourselves and others. This unprecedented upheaval in our regular lives can create negative emotions that are difficult to overcome.
Confronting these emotions and facing the fear, grief, disappointment, powerlessness, or anger that we are feeling is the only way to move on. It is never comfortable but ignoring or pushing away these emotions only allows them to come back stronger at a later time.
Here are a few suggestions on how to work through these negative emotions:
- Check in with yourself regularly. Are you hungry? Tired? Stiff and sore? By taking care of these immediate needs, you provide yourself with more capacity to address your emotional needs.
- Centre yourself. Take a few minutes each morning to have a mini dance party, practice guided meditation, or do some light stretching. Activities like these can help clear your mind so that you are more present for yourself and your family.
- Remind yourself that you are safe. Whenever you feel one of those uncomfortable emotions, remind yourself that you are doing everything you can to stay safe by staying at home, using protective equipment, and washing your hands. Then take a deep breath and stay focused on what you are controlling in this situation.
- Appreciate yourself. Take some time at the end of each day to think of three things you are proud of and celebrate them. Then think of one thing that you want to do differently tomorrow. Imagine doing that thing exactly the way you want to do it, and how making that change will feel. Write down your plan so you will see it when you wake up.
Still feeling overwhelmed?
The Therapy Centre has skilled Psychologists, Social Workers and Psychotherapists who effectively treat a variety of issues that may arise from the COVID-19 situation including fears, health anxiety, issues related to isolation and loneliness, how to manage uncertainty and how to increase ones tolerance for the unknown.
At The Therapy Centre we are now offering Telehealth services including secure phone sessions and videoconferencing.
Our offices are located at 2525 Old Bronte Road in Oakville and 849 Upper Wentworth Street in Hamilton-just minutes from the QEW and easily accessible from Peel Region, Halton Region, Halton Hills, Stoney Creek and Niagara Region.
Source:
https://www.ahaparenting.com/blog/how-to-calm-corona-pandemic-lockdown
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