Welcome...to the COVID Cast of Characters


Meet the COVID Cast of Characters…


As we all settle into our new normal, the journey of settling looks differently because the way we navigate conflict to each of us. We may be in this together; but it doesn’t look the same.

When we first heard the word “Pandemic” our responses varied.  Some of us felt anxiety, some fear, others shock and disbelief. T
The way we navigate crisis, internally, is unique to the individual, and though each journey is different, we find we are more alike. Understanding there is no right or wrong way to cope, . One goalAt some point
Meet the COVID Cast of Characters….

COVID-19 Cast of Characters

Mr./Ms. Fix It

Garages so clean, you could eat on the floors. Not to mention symmetrically aligned tools, manicured lawns, organized closets, and we’ve finally stopped the slow leak in the guest bathroom. This group’s binge watching lasted about a week. Just enough time for the shock of COVID to wear off, and the realization of our new normal to set in. Mr. and Ms. Fix It are “making the most” of this situation. They are the “doers”. They cope by fixing, building, creating.  The sense of accomplishment helps ease the anxiety tied to uncertainty, but what happens when all of the projects are complete? Be mindful of your feelings and those around you. Beware: Productivity does not negate stress. Don’t assume because you’re busy you’re not internalizing trauma. We are all experiencing some level of distress. Remember to take a break and breathe between projects. If “doing” gets you through, then do…But don’t forget to take a moment and just be.

Superhero

Here she comes to save the day!! This person loves helping. Either making masks, or grocery store runs for the elderly, helping others is how he/she copes. Showing kindness is a noble attribute. Some thrive when they can “do”. It alleviates stress caused by helplessness. The superhero combats stress and the unknown with what they "do".  Superheroes should be mindful of burnout and denial. Most aren’t experiencing either, but for some, helping others takes the focus off of our own trauma. Superheroes should ask the question “How can I practice self-care?” Set a goal to complete one activity per day that is just for you.

Chicken Little

The sky is falling (Or so it seems). Though no symptoms, Chicken is convinced he has the virus. He has escalated the Pandemic to an Apocalypse, and prepared for life as we know it to end. Fear and anxiety are normal in crisis. We all use a Little Chicken little to help us anticipate the worst so we can plan for the best. However, when fear and anxiety lead to paranoia it’s no laughing matter. If you find yourself consumed with “what if” scenarios, difficulty sleeping, anxiety or feeling hopeless, seek help. The website, Care for Your Coronavirus Anxiety, was specifically created to provide free online resources to navigate anxiety during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Focus on what you can control (I can stay inside. I can wear a mask), reduce the amount of news, and remember many of us are experiencing the same feelings.  

Phlegmatic (aka Cool as a Cucumber)

A bona fide realist, annoyed with hyperboles and sensationalism, this person responds in the opposite. They see no value in “what ifs” and stand firm in “right now”. Yes. They know the staggering statistics. They understand this is serious, but continually discussing the Pandemic gives it too much power. They’re well informed but not obsessed; and would appreciate if everyone just “calmed down”. They, too, are concerned; however, they don’t cope by talking about it. They accept it, adjust to it, and move on. Often perceived as insensitive and apathetic, they are neither. They just don’t want to talk about it. The key to inclusive understanding is the ability to embrace and adapt. If you ask a Cucumber how they’re doing and you get a one-word response like “fine” accept it and move on. The beauty of community is accepting each other when we differ, especially in crisis.


Chef “Quar”yardi

Quarantine life has exacerbated the need to cook; and not just hamburgers and chicken fingers. Chef “Quar”yardi is cooking gourmet meals—perhaps baking bread or homemade pasta; and not just once a day. This person has settled into two, sometimes, three meals a day. Because, well “I’m home. Why not?” This is a great time to discover your inner Julia Chiles or Emerald Legossi. Go for it. Surviving a Pandemic is hard enough, and we don’t need any additional pressure. Yes, the neighbor’s Duck a l’Orange photo on Instagram was beautiful; but don’t beat yourself up. Some cook, others order in. Do what works for you.  However, if you feel like it’s becoming “too much” take a step back. We were eating cold cereal and sandwiches before the Pandemic, and it won’t hurt us now.

Cookie Monster

This person is soothing their woes by food, food and more food. No judgement—we’re in the middle of a Pandemic and well, those Oreos aren’t going to eat themselves. What started as nervous eating, has settled into bored eating. Food is about regimen. How and when we eat is rooted in our daily routine. When that routine is disrupted, so is our eating. When you’re ready, keep a food journal or meal prep your snacks. It will help you create a new eating routine for your new normal. 

Charmin Clean

Toilet paper really isn’t about toilet paper. It is our primal survival response to prepare or “take cover” It’s not until we have five rolls and look around that we notice “Oh right, this isn’t just about me. Others are in the same boat.” The initial reaction of self-preservation is natural. It becomes unhealthy when we forget about community and focus only on ourselves. It is more about control and less about need. We can’t control what’s happening outside the home, so we overcompensate for what we have inside the home. We want to leave it for others, but fear what will happen when we need more. So, we grab an extra roll. The growth opportunity lies in balancing that fear with faith. Having faith in humanity that if we leave it for others, someone will leave it for us, brings us closer as a community. It’s not easy, but we can get through it together. If you're concerned about not having enough, develop a plan based on your household. For example, “For a family of 4, I will re-stock at 3 rolls.”


Let’s Get Physical

Some of us are running, riding, and jumping our jacks throughout the neighborhood. Suddenly, having time to exercise has been an unexpected gift of COVID-19. Physical activity clears the mind and releases much needed endorphins. Even if you’re not running half marathons, a walk around the block is a great way to reduce stress. If you can’t find the motivation to “move”, set one small goal and keep building. For example, “I will walk to the first stop sign.” And after you master that, “I will walk to the second stop sign.” And if you can’t bring yourself to move, remember you are living in the middle of a Pandemic, and it is OK!


Netflix, Hulu, and Prime...Oh My!

Two words: Tiger King. Most of us have consumed more television in the last month than the last two years. Movies and television provide an escape, and some of us have “disappeared” into our favorite series. We are experts on Makeshift zoos and confirming that love really is blind. Our digital boxes have become our security blankets. We use them to get our news, (which increases our anxiety); and then with the click of a finger, the very device that updated the death toll, turns to provide comfort and healing through the characters we know and love. If we start to feel concerned about too much intake, balance the television with other outlets, such as reading or writing. Go for a walk or call an old friend. Who knows? Perhaps the next best seller is waiting (in the middle of Covid) to be written.

Tik Tok The Night Away

Before the pandemic, unless you had a teenager at home, few of us had ever heard of Tik Tok. Now, we’re obsessed. We’ve seen mothers and daughters, our favorite celebrities, and those infamous essential worker videos that have all gone viral; and we can’t get enough. Everyone wants in on the action. Tik Tok leveled the playing field and took us back to a time where dance wasn’t about how good you were, but how fun it was. It allows us to laugh at ourselves, bond with others, and learn something new; and the quick cooking videos helped young people gain confidence in the kitchen. We give Tik Tok “two thumbs up”, but offer a small word of caution. If your request is declined, resist the urge to pressure your family members into completing a video. Remember, this is your way of coping; not theirs. Even though all of the dads are doing it, remember to respect boundaries. Otherwise, your teenager will use your words against you and say “I don’t care what everyone else is doing. I said ‘no’”

Zoom King and Queen

Move over prom, there’s new royalty in town. This year’s Zoom King and Queen are ready to meet. They’ve mastered how to look presentable from the waist up, and top off the week with Video Happy Hours. It teaches us there’s no replacement for human connection, and seeing each other nonverbally reinforces “we’re in this together” For work, continue to assess “Is this meeting-worthy, or could this be an email or phone call?” Otherwise, go ahead and Zoom, GoToMeeting, FaceTime, and Skype away…just know some of us are sick of looking at our own faces every day.

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