Feelings In Quarantine
OCD and anxiety. Patty’s anxiety during Covid is more manageable. Sally’s explains how anxiety can be a thought in your head or a feeling in your body. Sometimes it’s as simple as “I drank too much coffee today.” Our nervous system reacts to perceived fears, and can get triggered by loud noises or hot temperatures. Take your nervous system for a walk! Patty enjoys putting her bare feet in the grass. Nature has a calming effect. Supporting your loved ones emotionally can be difficult. There’s nothing we can say to take their suffering away. Find comfort in your loved ones’ discomfort, and try to sit with them in their pain. The four nervous system responses are fight, flight, freeze, tend. Do you know which one you are? Sally is a ‘tend.’ Others’ distress doesn’t activate her nervous system, which probably makes her a great therapist, and friend! A large part of grieving is confusion. Everybody has suffering in their lives, and that we all need to express gratitude for when we have good and peaceful moments or months. Balancing wellness and mental health. Introverts and isolation. Sally’s buzzwords: People and Purpose! Humans need to feel a sense of belonging in their community, and a sense of purpose. The Rooted Method suggests a connection with nature as well. Sally loves being alone in the desert. It’s fine to self isolate as long as you’re not punishing yourself. What about when your isolation is not by choice? How does one connect? Sally suggests developing a routine and stepping outside your comfort zone. If you want change, you have to change. Intentionally increase your circles! Sally reminds us to make good choices, but also make mistakes. People who grew up with unconditional love tend to be able to make mistakes more freely. Those with more childhood trauma and mixed messages from their caregivers have a harder time making mistakes. We’re all flawed. Sally encourages single people to bravely take on dating apps if you're craving connection. Shift your perspective. Stop following social media accounts that don't make you feel joy, and if you have options, pursue them! However uncomfortable this time is for you, know that it's an opportunity for change, and people can change. :)