Coping During Covid-19 (or During Hard Times)

by Manasi Joshi

Are you feeling uncertain, where a straight path doesn't seem visible, and ambiguity clouds your brain? Does it feel as though you are clogged in fear, your tranquility is at the edge, and you have not found a way to balance your burdens on the loose string you are on, wobbling? Trust me, you are not alone. If you feel like the world is going upside down and you are in a very unstable state—hey, me too!

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a giant wave of uncertainty, and many are situated in stress and anxiety. There have been increasing statistical values of depression because of the overwhelming and unprecedented times because, let's be honest—the year 2020 has been no more than a year full of just unprecedented events we are all forced to adapt to and live with. It might seem daunting, but there are ways to cope with what seems like a never-ending year. So, follow these three steps to help maintain balance through not only this epidemic but in any obstacle that comes in your way!

1) Be Grateful!

We just had Thanksgiving, and for me (and probably for many other Americans as well), it was unlike any other! During the pandemic, meeting up with our families not only brought us some joy but also a notch of fear. Yet it was a time to be grateful for the innumerable things we should all be grateful for and to. When one is grateful for their privileges, the mind begins appreciating the little joys around it. According to the article, "How Gratitude Can Help You Through Hard Times," the author, Robert Emmons, presses one point across: "Not only will a grateful attitude help—it is essential. In fact, it is precisely under crisis conditions when we have the most to gain by a grateful perspective on life." Emmons says that in times where sanity is yet to shatter, "gratitude has the power to heal . . . . [and therefore] gratitude can help us cope with hard times." Truly, the key to mental balance is to spend more time being grateful than clouding themselves in a tempest of negative thoughts.

Write down what all you are grateful for! In my English class, I had an assignment where we had to list down 100 things we are grateful for, and in the end, when I saw the long list of one hundred, I truly felt the awe of seeing how fortunate I was! And truly, I felt a lot less stressed and more elated. Go say thank you to those who you are grateful for or write a small note to them, thanking them! This principle of showing gratitude is highlighted in the article "How Gratitude Changes You and Your Brain" the authors, Joshua Brown and Joel Wong, researchers of mental health have found that "people who consciously count their blessings tend to be happier and less depressed." And thus, when you notice the many things you should be thankful for, believe it or not, life begins to feel brighter and more enjoyable!

2) Engage Yourself In Activities You Love!

The mind wanders often, and numerous times, it goes exactly where you don't want it to go: into a swirl of negativity that could potentially lead to stress.

There are so many things you could involve yourself with! Engaging in various activities keeps the brain occupied, where one would not be able to do anything but relish what he/she is doing, thus helping control fear and pessimism. Coping and maintaining mental balance and tranquility during Covid-19 or during your hard times can be perplexing and difficult but when you immerse yourself in the activities you adore doing, this optimism can help you overcome each nightmarish yet monotonous day.

If you want to volunteer, do so! Many critics, such as Dr. Elizabeth Hopper, assert that "people who had volunteered in the past year were more satisfied with their lives” and thus felt a sense of serenity ("How Volunteering Can Help Your Mental Health"). You are not sure of what to do? Discover something new! Move around, exercise, have fun, even when times around you don’t seem as joyful. Honestly, let go of your anger, and do what you enjoy doing. Because "engaging in enjoyable activities, like hobbies or sports, is associated with lower blood pressure, less stress, and higher levels of both psychological and physical function," say researchers like Cassie Steele, the author of the article, “How Doing What You Love Can Improve Your Mental Health.”

If baking makes your day, then do it! If music appeals to you: blast out some music! If you just want to get together with your friends (but safely!) and spend time with them—go for it! Does spending time with your family make you happy? Sure, why not?

3) Embrace Your Emotions!

Emotional stress is a dangerous asset, especially if one does not have the slightest notion of hope, then he or she can plummet into dark oblivion of depression and fright. And fear can be a dangerous emotion, for it can threaten to consume one’s well-being and the tranquil state of mind.

When all else fails, remember to breathe. You must remain calm to choose the right paths when facing abstract duality. Hence an easy way to do this is not to dwell on the issues but to breathe. The practice of breathing disciplines your brain to focus solely on the task set and silences any distracting thoughts. As a result, this soothes the mind. One should always stay confident and positive no matter the circumstance. And embrace emotions! Many find it difficult to control their emotions and negative thoughts, but one must face such feelings with courage, because a person can learn much from situations with heightened emotions. When we do, we can face unfathomable fears with more ease.

I know, the year 2020 has been difficult, to say the least, and fear and uncertainty exist greatly in our world today. We are all engaged in a conflict we were unprepared for, and in these ambiguous times it is normal to feel uncertain, yet I know that endurance is dire for all of us. Just remember that one day, this epidemic or any obstacle will cease, and the situation will improve! Hence we should just clutch onto tightly to our anchors of hope and keep enduring!

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