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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