I often hear folks having various expectations of themselves and how they should be during this time. How they and others should act. How lucky we are if we are so lucky and why haven’t I done more with that luck.
Grief and Fear
Although it is easy to forget we are in a worldwide pandemic, the fact of the matter is, that the stress, along with any other stress is taxing and can impact us in different ways depending on our experiences and how we are predisposed.
Whether we have been impacted by our own health, the health of our family/friends, or are ‘doom scrolling' on our phone: viewing the news, the stress, fear, and grief impact each of us. Parents worry for their children, adult children fear for their elderly relatives, and everyone fears for the economy.
These feelings are perfectly normal under these circumstances.
Shelter In Place
Shelter-in-place and fear of contagions can cause anxiety that can come off as social anxiety. Although the experts recommend the 6-feet distancing attempting to enforce or anger at the lack of adherence may seem justified, and in turn, may be considered as a reason for entitlement. These beliefs based on science or lack of belief in science can create tension within the individual and among the population.
Tensions
Tensions created by the impacts of the pandemic, if not challenged and dealt with, can create pressures in other aspects of our lives. Those of us lucky enough to have the capabilities to work from home May feel confined and the essential workers who work tirelessly day in and day out feel pressure and fear that is not confined to their health alone.
For those of us who are parents, our children can also feel the pressure and relay it into their lives.
In addition to these parenting questions are the added question about their development, education, and future.
Schooling Alternatives
Parents want nothing more than to give their children the chance for the best potential future. Society has trained the generations to believe in a certain model of education, therefore the changes may be unsettling.
Masks
The fact of the matter is, that we live in a new world. The faster we can accept this, the easier things will become. It has been mentioned over again that masks are the best way to protect ourselves and others from this deadly virus. Resistance is understandable as there is change involved. It seems as though the days of shaving and make-up are not needed as we are mostly covered anyway. During the summer, in the hot weather, it seems especially daunting.
Having little ones it can get very difficult to have them wear masks, especially for long periods of time.
How can we get around this?
Masks do not have to be surgical looking all the time. There are a lot of fun options that can be used to cover the boring masks and be used to accessorize just the same.
Children can pick their own masks and feel empowered about the masks they choose. I allow a few masks for each of them so they can pick one for the day. If they like a certain design, I will get that option for them in order to have them feel that it is a fun addition and not a burden.
Donating masks to friends, family, and the needy is a great way to gift someone and also ensure that they are wearing masks regularly as well. Mask shaming is real, but not necessary. By gifting a mask rather than shaming we sent a loving message and further the health of the public.
KIT - Keeping In Touch
It is really easy to lose touch during these trying times. Maintaining regular gatherings by any means you are comfortable with is essential for social beings to continue to live healthy lives. Stay happy. Have light conversations. Check in often and with many folks on a regular basis. Understanding how people prefer to communicate and working with them helps everyone involved to maintain connections that secure happiness and emotional health.
