According to recent data from the US Census Bureau, approximately one third of all Americans are now showing signs of depression and anxiety--perhaps the most alarming indication yet of the pandemic’s impact on the psychological well-being of Americans. Whether you are on the front lines or not, take a minute to read thru this list of impossible daily challenges and pay attention to how it makes you feel.
Updated: Published
You are so right, its time to take the time to connect with our inner selves. Running is my go to, I run for hours processing and reflecting on my life. By the time I get back home, my head is clear and can focus. Writing is good for me as well, it helps me put my thoughts in perspective. Great article!
simba and mufasa
1 hour ago, simba and mufasa said:You are so right, its time to take the time to connect with our inner selves. Running is my go to, I run for hours processing and reflecting on my life. By the time I get back home, my head is clear and can focus. Writing is good for me as well, it helps me put my thoughts in perspective. Great article!
simba and mufasa
Thanks for your ideas. Exercise has always been more of a stress-management tool for me than a fitness tool, tho I get both benefits from doing it. Amazing how it peels away the layers of stress and leaves you refreshed and clear headed.
Carol Ebert, MSN, RN
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No End in Sight?
Then imagine that you face this every day without an end in sight.
What are you feeling right now after reading this list? And there may be even more challenges than the ones I have listed to consider. We definitely need to pay attention to the immediate and residual effect of all of this on our front line peers.
So what mechanisms can be put into place to support this “deadly” situation so we can provide an EMOTIONALLY PROTECTIVE SHIELD around our heroic workers for their wellbeing?
Emotional Protective Equipment (EPE)
University of Wisconsin-Madison Health Psychologist Shilagh Mirgain says now is the time for people to develop what she calls Emotional Protective Equipment (EPE), a powerful set of practices that can improve mood, lower anxiety and foster greater well-being through learning to direct kindness and care towards one’s own and others’ suffering during this time.
Regularly engaging in self-compassion is linked to increased resilience, improvement in mood, lowering of anxiety, and strengthening of well-being. Here are strategies that can be utilized daily.
Treat yourself as you would a small child.
Give yourself permission to be imperfect.
Engage in mindfulness moments.
Manage your Mind.
Seek out social connection
Recognize our common humanity.
Upload this link “Loving Kindness by Karen Drucker” to your cell phone and play as often as needed.
Overall, remember we are all in this together.
Feel free to share the strategies that work for you!
References
Developing Emotional Protective Equipment During the Pandemic
How to Cultivate More Self-Compassion
As reopening begins in uncertain coronavirus times, you need emotional protective equipment, too