Mindfulness can help you stay grounded and connected during the Covid-19 crisis
The Covid-19 pandemic has created uncertainty, anxiety, and grief around the world.
The Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated in the past few days that the Covid-19 pandemic ‘is far from over’ and this observation is supported by news reports of surges in new cases and a return to lockdowns in various jurisdictions and countries.
It is not surprising therefore that stress, anxiety, and fearfulness is also surging. This is a normal, expected, and appropriate human reaction to the uncertainty created by the pandemic. But there comes a point at which these normal reactions can overwhelm us.
While we all know rationally that worrying about the situation will not solve the problem, it is hard not to dwell on it and perhaps think the worst. The problem is that when we are feeling anxious and overwhelmed, rational thought can be evasive.
We crave calmness and a way through the torment but sometimes it is hard to find.
Mindfulness may help. Mindfulness, which simply means being open, aware, and paying attention in the present moment to what we are doing, thinking, feeling or experiencing through an accepting, non-judgemental lens and without being overwhelmed or over-reacting to what is going on around us.
The recognised pioneer of the mindfulness movement, Professor Jon Kabat-Zinn defines mindfulness as awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment non- judgementally in the service of self-understanding and wisdom’.
Mindfulness is akin to having our own personal emotional barometer which helps us to recognise the warning signs of escalating feelings which may threaten to overwhelm us and acts like a safety switch. This gives us an opportunity to take a deep breath, calm down, think more clearly about our concerns and fears and to respond in a more rational and appropriate manner.
Some warning signs
- Difficulty sleeping
- Irritability
- Feeling anxious
- Being preoccupied or inattentive
- Repeatedly thinking dark thoughts (ruminating)
- Being careless or forgetful
Helpful hints
Consider practicing Stop when you are feeling anxious
- S – Stop what you are doing and take a moment to be still
- T – Take a few deep breaths and just be aware that you are breathing
- O – Observe any sensations in your body, thoughts in your mind, and emotions you may be experiencing
- P – Pause to come back to your breath, then proceed with your day with greater calm
The Beyond Blue website contains an article which first appeared in Smiling Mind and which looks more deeply into the usefulness of mindfulness in coping with Covid-19. It provides additional suggestions on actions we can adopt to tackle the anxiety created by the virus.
We wish you and your family continued good health. Stay safe.
Please contact Yvette Rae for additional information and guidance.
This article was written by Yvette Rae, Principal Psychologist at Rae Consulting. Yvette is a Professional Member of the Australian Psychological Society and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management
