Three strategies for cultivating resilience in response to corona virus
by Jennifer Potter
It’s fair to say that in our time of peace we’ve never experienced a global pandemic that’s required such a response on a global level. We are indeed finding our way through unchartered waters. As a result there’s a lot of mental and emotional swamps to manage our way through.
Dealing with uncertainty
I have found myself in very varying perspectives which have ebbed and flowed at break neck speed; from the ambivalence of the early news, the curiosity of how it all links to climate crisis, the fear regarding work and financial security, the anxiety of loneliness (living on my own), concern for those more vulnerable than me and hopelessness about how to help. I’ve also tried to stand in the perspective of excitement; we are literally experiencing a part of history never before lived through with the tools and resources available to us, what might this change in how we work, how might it bring a stronger sense of global community, what shifts might we find ourselves in out the other side? All these questions and more. An ever inter changeable mood and mental health.
We’ve put together five employee wellbeing resources to help you regain calm, balance and a sense of community (in the moment) regardless of which end of the spectrum you find yourself in any given ten seconds.
It goes without saying that we at Oasis are here in community with you and if you need further support, please reach out, we have many resources tools and skills which could be helpful in these uncertain times.
You’re in a state of panic, or anxiety levels are creeping
Pay attention to your breath. It’s the fastest way to settle anxiety. You might be breathing, but how well are you breathing. Find something to focus on, and pay to attention to how deeply and smoothly you are breathing. Practise this managed breath exercise; breathe in for 4, hold for 4, breathe out for 4, hold for 4. Repeat. If you want to take this deeper, learn meditation.
Be mindful of what information you take on board. Only give attention to viable, trusted fact based information and if you need to unplug from social media, then do so. Trust your own intuition to know what resonates as truth for you.
Make sure you have good quality support around you or at the end of a phone. Tap into technology in order to feel more connected if you are on your own.
When you’re not working, find mindful tasks that will help settle your anxiety and help you feel more control, such as jigsaws, mindful colouring, batch cooking, watching your favourite feel good film, snuggling up with your dog.
Remember that this will pass. It will not last forever.
You’re ambivalent, trying to locate where you are on the matter
Be mindful of what information you take on board. Only give attention to viable, trusted fact based information and if you need to unplug from social media, then do so. Trust your intuition to know what resonates as truth for you.
Go for a walk (unless you are vulnerable, self isolating or experiencing symptoms). Time in nature can help regain perspective, feel grounding and is good for your immune system. The National Trust have just made all their parks free and open for all.
Spend time with people you like and trust. Virtual gatherings on applications like Zoom and WhatsApp can be great for staying connected and bouncing ideas around while we’re in the ‘trying to make sense’ phase.
Protect your immune system. get a good probiotic, vitamin c and zinc supplement and consider online workouts so you can exercise from home if you can’t get out.
Focus on others. reaching out into your local community and offering help, support, advice can be very nourishing for the soul and activate feel good hormones. In a world where you can be anything, be kind.
You’re healthy, resilient and curious about how this will all unfold
Be in service of others. If you find yourself in this space ask how you might be in service of others who are less fortunate than you. What skills do you have that could be helping others?
Share your positivity. Positivity is contagious and we need to keep a healthy mindset which is resilient, adaptable and focussed on opportunity. Share positivity where you can, especially on social media.
Protect your immune system. consider what your body needs physically mentally and emotionally in order to tackle the virus if and when you get it, it will help you recover quicker.
Get creative. Apparently some of the most brilliant inventions were created in times of lock down when there was nothing left to do but imagine, dream and create. Get creative with whatever it is you are drawn to explore.
Support community. If you find yourself well, positive and opportunistic, why not find ways of sharing that with those in more need than you? Reaching out to your neighbours, setting up virtual Zoom meetings/choirs/book clubs with friends and colleagues.
In times like these, it’s important that we take care of our mental and physical health and be courteous and kind to others. It’s also true that we need kindness and community more than we ever have before. So don’t be afraid to reach out, we at Oasis are committed to community and here for you.