A personal strategy for coping the pandemic — no one-size-fits-all
There is no single recipe or strategy to cope with the current situation, but a multitude of them, each person deals with it in its unique way. People are different; some are more of optimistic nature, other pessimistic, and we also differ by life experiences. My mentality has always been of the glass half-full; which has helped me tremendously to endure the difficult times. And as they say, every experience is worth having, and you never know when you would rely on the wisdom and knowledge gained from it.
Recently, I have been unpleasantly surprised by the comment of a well renowned Instagram influencer that people, who are enjoying this time are ignorant or living in denial to the seriousness of the time, being emotionally numb or even they lack the empathy to the happenings in the world. Although I generally respect his thought-provoking insights, this time, I wholeheartedly disagree with his opinion. People are different, having various characters, traits, backgrounds, life experiences, etc., thus cope differently with the current challenges. Some people are more resilient, because of hardships survived, the others are more of a sensitive nature; prone to intense mood swings, or anxious because of it’s the first time that they have to deal with the uncertain, scary situation. But many of us are ‘’enjoying’’ this time in a sense, that we do things we have put off for a long time (e.g. cleaning, decluttering, learning a new skill, language, instrument, painting, sewing, writing, reading, etc.), the possibilities are numerous. But to some this kind of mindset of ‘’enjoying’’ is incomprehensible. It’s a sort of sin dedicating this time to oneself, to study, to evolve, to procrastinate, to enjoy the extra time, which has been given to us unexpectedly. I admit I fall into the category of appreciating this additional portion of free time, and I don’t feel guilty for it at all.
Does it make me insensitive to the happenings in the world and my vicinity? No, I do care a lot what’s happening in my surrounding. I care for my mom, who falls into the group of the most vulnerable ones; thus, I take care of all the preventive measures not to catch and transfer the virus. From the professional point of view, I deal with the economic impacts on companies, especially small and medium-sized, planning the measures to alleviate the consequences of the economic slump, following the imposed lockdown. I am not emotionally numb or lacking empathy to the adversities, but I cope differently based on experiences that I gained during the difficult times of my life. They have made me more reliable, more resilient; I don’t give up that easily. It doesn’t mean that I take or look at the current situation recklessly, far from that. I was shocked by the onset of the epidemic like others but slowly adapt to the changing situation. It doesn’t mean either that I didn’t feel fear at the beginning or still occasionally feel anxious; it just means that I want to use time productively, take it as it is and make the best of it.
It’s not the threat of the disease itself or no end-date to be in sight of the closure of the preventive measures that bother me the most, but the mandatory ‘’stay at home’’ and wearing a mask when going to the grocery shop. This necessary measure makes me feeling confined; restricted in personal movement, and limits possibilities to talk to other people as we were used to them. I can not imagine how ‘’happy’’ are the governments around the world with this side effect of lockdown; no strikes, no riots on the streets, even the freedom of speech they have been able to restrict in the form of preventive measures.
The times of isolation and physical (social) distancing are challenging. No doubt that people are social animals, and we need not only time for ourselves but to share it with other human beings. Losing our regular encounters with our coworkers, family, friends, acquaintances from the gym, language course, dance class,etc., can be challenging. The digital apps and gadgets assist, to a particular extent a real one-on-one connection, but can’t substitute it completely. Living in the same place for a prolonged period is challenging. Especially during Springtime when a beautiful day calls you out to go for a walk or on a trip to the seaside or the mountains, but all you can do is go to the grocery store or look outside the window with desire.
The professionals, such as psychologists and psychiatrist, have given many useful insights and recommendations on how to tackle the issue of isolation and social distancing and to sail through the rough pandemic waters smoothly. But we can get some valuable insights also from people who experienced an extended time secluded and living on restricted personal spaces, such as professional sailors. Since I am very fond of sailing, I find the experience on coping strategies for social distancing by Australian yachtsman Chris Nicholson very relatable:
- ‘’Accept that you are in this for the long ride and that, no matter what, you will see it through. Prepare for the long road, and you will be pleasantly surprised if it ends early.
- Recognise that this situation has an endpoint and that you have the chance to be a better person at the end of it, your choice!
- You will adapt and change along the way, monitor yourself and write down notes or record a video diary.
- Limit your exposure to the bad news. Currently, we are absorbing a great deal of bad news, but a lot of it is repetition. Don’t get into the trap of watching the same bad news over and over again.
- Look for and recognise the good things in your situation.
- Help those around you when you can, as this will also help you to get through this.’’
No matter how you have chosen to survive through this time, be aware that each strategy you have chosen is the right one for you. Just never give up! The experience of this kind, although at a glance looks unbearable, will be invaluable for your future life, be convinced of that!