The New Year is typically a time for people to set new goals. But these days, a lot of people are just taking things one day at a time.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought huge changes in a very short period of time. Have you been in SURVIVAL MODE? Are you barely coping or doing JUST enough to keep going?
Low energy, overreacting, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, hypersensitivity and feeling at the mercy of everything and everyone are some common signs that you’re in survival mode.
Here’s what you need to know. Survival mode not a great way to cope. It’s not a lifestyle nor is it sustainable.
Yet here we are.
In order to protect yourself from this constant stress, you’ll need to be intentional about protecting your mental health. The first step is recognizing that you’re in survival mode. The second is acknowledging and accepting that the situation will not fix itself.
Here are 4 tips:
1. Prioritize your self-care. When in survival mode, we often overlook our needs and emotions to get through the day. What is your body telling you? Are you exhausted? What do you need? What are your emotions telling you? Are you scared, angry, or sad? Take a moment to connect with yourself and listen to your needs. Find the courage to give them precedence.
2. Delegate. You can’t do everything yourself, so if more tasks than you can handle require immediate attention, pass them off to someone you trust. This includes scheduling time for those things that protect your happiness and health.
3. Connect with others. Seek support from friends, family members, groups, or a therapist. Involving others can help you feel supported and less alone. They can also help you brainstorm possible solutions.
4. Limit Media Exposure. Limiting your media exposure might mean 30 minutes of news a day, setting boundaries for how long you stay on social media, or being direct with family/friends about how much you would like to talk about current news events. There is a difference between staying informed and retraumatizing yourself through constant and repeated exposure. Know the difference.
Our bodies are masters at adapting, and sometimes they can adapt to the unhealthy environment instead of adapting in the way that is most helpful for us. It is important to know that it takes time to break the survival mode cycle. Be kind to yourself in the process.
Here’s a self-evaluation quiz that might help you assess how your coping during this time.
Carrie
