Caught in the Wave of Covid-19
Wednesday May 6, 2020
Six weeks in and there is a weariness around. We're no longer in shock and the novelty of making sourdough, cake and whatever useful or creative things we've been doing has worn thin, if not off altogether. When our mood dips, it's getting harder to bounce back and when we need something to cheer us up or distract us - we have to find it within ourseves. We've been doing this for a while now and it's hard digging deeper to manage the continuing uncertainty and restrictions.
It's a bit like being caught in a strong wave, an emotional rollercoaster - sometimes we're on top of it and feeling strong and like we can cope with coronavirus and all that it demands. At other times, we're on the underside and a bit overwhelmed or even gasping for air. It can feel hard to try to stay afloat.
There's a phrase that's being said a lot just now - "we're all in the same storm but we're not all in the same boat". And it's so true - Covid-19 is certainly something we're all having to deal with but we are all coping in our own ways and shaped by the range of life experiences we already have to find our way through this. There isn't a "right" way to cope because what we each need is different. So it is important that we look after ourselves in ways that work for us as individuals, be that reading or running, doing online quizzes with friends or listening to music.
Coronavirus also separates us into our own little boats as each of us has the potential to be carrying the virus. It is the hidden enemy and therefore we must keep our distance from each other. Yet as human beings, and from an emotional point of view, that is counter-intuitive, as we mostly seek connection with others, be that just being close to someone or shaking hands, a touch on the arm or a big hug. Proper, 3D connection with others enable us to thrive, not merely to survive.
So if you're struggling, remember that it is entirely normal (in this new normal) to feel as if you are on top of the wave one day and wobbling and on the underside on other days. Your feelings aren't wrong, they just ARE. To coin another phrase, it really is ok not to be ok.
This is an incredibly stressful situation to be living in and there is a layer of tension under the surface for most of us. Within the resources available to you, if you can do one thing today, be kind to yourself.