A cohort of mine once philosophized: “don’t worry about things over which you have no control”. A simple adage perhaps, but also quite profound. For how many nights of sleep have we all lost pondering COVID-19-related situations that might adversely affect us, but over which we felt we had little, direct control?
It’s easy to say these words but oh, so hard to live up to them. There is empirical truth in the concept, especially as we all deal with our own versions of the pandemic blues in month #9. Rather than dwell on worst-case scenarios, find a plausible reality you can influence and deal with. Rather than contemplate the “what ifs”, start problem-solving (if you haven’t already). Yeh, the coronavirus conundrum involves uncertainties, unpleasantries, and possibly some major (or minor) life changes. But better to be the planner than merely the recipient of what fate throws at you, isn’t it?
Find healthy alternatives to binge-watching, web-wasting, and texting; swerve away from over-eating or drinking. Obviously, these would’ve been healthy month #3 plans, but it’s never too late. Take a drive somewhere you wouldn’t normally go- change the scenery. Go for a walk- in a different direction. Eat kale! Explore new music, or seek out old music you never dove into. Go wild- combine walking or driving with good music. How bold! Set you mind free, even occasionally. Escape the humdrum and numbness.
Break your routines down. Brush your teeth right after dinner, a subtle signal to your brain that you’re pau for the night (which might reduce snacking and/or cravings). Contact someone you haven’t seen in years- but don’t play 2020’s “misery loves company” game; instead, find common bonds that made this lapsed contact a one-time ally; laugh about good days as you reminisce. Re-train your brain.
We all have interwoven connections from many facets of our lives here locally. Change your outlook via a little change in your direction and attitude. While nothing will currently prevent this oppressive, viral moment from being a monotonous drag and drain, you DO control your outlook, demeanor, and valuation of all people and all things. Give yourself a break, for you surely deserve it. I wrote this a week before the long-awaited election results started to funnel in, but guess what- at the end of each and every day, you still control you. You may take charge.
Think about it…