From about the start of the second quarter of 2020, if you woke up each day feeling like you are dealing with nothing but uncertainty all of the time, trust us, you are not the only one. 2020 has been a wild ride for so many of us. When 2020 started, no one could have predicted the city riots, the crazy American election and of course, a full blown global pandemic that has turned the world upside down, in so many ways.
As of two days ago, the numbers throughout the globe have been stunning—making this already the most disastrous pandemic that we have experienced in our civilization, in over 102 years back to the 1918 now infamous so-called Spanish flu.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Never in modern times has the entire world been so greatly affected by a virus.
At IDWeek’s 24 hours of COVID-19 “Chasing the Sun” 2020 virtual meeting, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, gave an overview of the pandemic to date, “As of two days ago, the numbers throughout the globe have been stunning—making this already the most disastrous pandemic that we have experienced in our civilization, in over 102 years back to the 1918 now infamous so-called Spanish flu.”
At the time of writing this article, there have been 62,348,685 total confirmed cases world-wide and 1,455,254 deaths as a direct result of Covid-19. In the United States alone, 271,456 people have lost their lives due to the virus.
There can be no doubt that the Coronavirus has changed modern life as we know it. Our sense of normalcy has become almost completely unrecognizable in so many ways.
Travel bans affecting family gathering for holidays due to the public health policies establishing physical distancing, the wearing of masks, social changes, new rules and regulations in public places and outright quarantines have caused a feeling of fear and trepidation for so many of us. In the year of 2020 there have been so many unknowns for people to deal with.
A short list of things we deal with include economic insecurity, changes to daily routines, as well as so many changes to the general fabric of normal life throughout the World. The holiday season is also fast approaching and many of us face growing uncertainty in the coming months.
No, it is not any easy time. But we must continue on. There is no option to throw in the towel especially if we are sons, brothers, husbands and fathers. Our people need us to be as strong and as resilient as we can be.
BAM! offers that you try these suggestions to protect your sanity and stay as well as you can during the pandemic.
Routine
In general, people thrive off of certainty, normalcy, and a sense of safety. We want to feel safe and have a sense of control over our lives and well-being. With current restrictions, and rule changes from week to week, and the overall uncertainty hanging in the air, there are steps you can take to make the journey to the end of 2020 and into 2021 a little bit easier.
Sure, uncertainty is an unavoidable part of life. Life changes in an instant. When there are so many changes at the same time, or if the changes affect your directly, that can be a little hard to get your head around.
Having a plan and some goals is the immovable rock in an otherwise stormy sea. With a plan and goals in place you know what needs to be done, and this lays the foundation for routine. Routine is a grounding practice. It can give you a sense of balance, consistency and reliability, which helps calm your mind in times of worry, stress and trouble.
Make a plan. Set some goals and create a routine and be sure to stick with it!
Self-Care Tips To Fight Fear And Uncertainty During The Pandemic
Use Positive Self-Talk.
Don’t beat yourself up if you struggle with uncertainties in life during this crazy year. Everyone has their own level of resiliency. Acknowledge your own efforts and use positive self-talk.
It seems so juvenile, like the old saying that sticks and stones can break my bones but names can never hurt me. Still, positive self-talk and affirmations can and do work. Figure out some for yourself.
Control What You Can Control.
Focus on the things that you can actually control, even if it’s as simple as daily routine, fitness planning or pre organizing meals for the week. Even in normal times there are so many things that are totally out of our control. Now, it is more important than ever to focus on the things that we do have some control over and do our best to ignore the things that we cannot control.
Don’t Binge-Watch Bad News.
You know that it is easy to spend hours watching the news and most of it is negative news. Limit your time watching the news altogether. Find and watch positive news and also just cut it off at some point. Catastrophic sensational news is no way ever a mood lifter.
While You Are At It, Limit Social Media.
Most of the stories that are perpetuated in social media are not the good news stories.
Be Your Own Biggest Supporter.
If you were talking to a close friend, how would you show support if they are stressed about uncertainty? What would you tell them, and how would you encourage them? Turn this set of good vibes onto yourself. Treat yourself like you would treat someone that you love and care about.
Also – Seek Support From Your Network.
Share your experience and struggles with your trusted sources. Venting is one of the best ways to process feelings. This can be with friends, supportive family, or even online groups. Share highs, lows, successes, and failures. This is a great way to thrive in uncertain times. Don’t forget to be there for them too. If you have children it is especially important to be there for them.
Expand Your Skillset.
Sometimes uncertainty pushes us into a positive change. If you have free time now, use the time productively. Step out of your skillset and your niche. When times are hard, expanding the things you can do can help you develop and even thrive. You will be more marketable and feel more in control of your life.
Talk To A Pro.
If you’re having trouble managing stress and dealing with uncertainty, talk to a pro. This can be a therapist, your primary care MD or a health and wellness coach. There should never be any shame in asking for and getting some help that you may need.
Conclusion
You are the captain of your life. Implement habits to fortify and strengthen yourself in times of uncertainty. The pandemic life is hard for everyone. You are not alone and your people need you. Staying healthy, optimistic, and taking care of yourself are keys to healthy and strong well-being.
Implementing some of these practices will help you develop techniques to combat stress and challenges in uncertain times. You can avoid being a victim to the chronic uncertainty that is the new normal during the pandemic.
BAM! Be A Man. Do The Right Thing. Take Care Of Yourself And Your Family.
BAM! Be A Man. Do The Right Thing.
Be The DtRTy Guy!
