Phew. That’s a loaded title. But I couldn’t think of anything else more appropriate. We’re living in some very trying times and those who have not previously felt anxious, are beginning to feel that tightness in their chests (and let’s be honest, we’re ALL wondering if that tightness is coming from the virus).
Before we dive in, a few disclaimers.
- These are my thoughts, opinions, and experiences and are not intended to be medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional and/or licensed therapist if you need help.
- Always check with the CDC for accurate information when it comes to COVID-19.
- This blog post contains Amazon Affiliate Links and other affiliate links.
- RunningMyselfTogether is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to www.amazon.com.
- Some links may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these.
- Your purchases help keep this blog/ministry/business running. THANK YOU.
Where I’m At Right Now
I don’t think anyone was particularly prepared for the state of our world right now. A couple weeks ago, the company I worked for encouraged everyone to start working from home. This was before things got… well, to where they are now. People outside of our organization thought we were crazy. But of course, we all did our part and started working from home.
I’ve been working from my little apartment now, day after day, and while some moments are great (like wearing sweatpants and not having a commute), I sometimes teeter between very high highs (anxiety) and lows (not necessarily depression, but “slumps”). Not just because of the lack of social interaction, but because of all we’re seeing on social media and within the news.
It is A LOT.
I am scared about the uncertainty, but I do know that the Lord is providing for us during this famine, and we will see the goodness He’s preparing for us. (In fact, here is a great article on how to approach this season in the desert, “Doing Nothing Is Doing Something.)
So, I wanted to open up and share that, yes, I feel it too. I feel the anxiety bubbling up. I feel the tightness in my chest. I feel the isolation. I feel the strong urge to scream or run or hide. I feel like crying. And then feel like laughing. I feel all the highs and lows that you’re feeling right now.
But I’ve been here before, time and time again, and because our world is uncertain right now, and we may all be a little anxious, we don’t have to let it consume us to the point of no return.
(A really, really great article from the Harvard Business Review hits the nail on the head in describing what we’re all feeling: The Discomfort You’re Feeling is Grief.)
The Thing About Transitions
Every summer when I would come home from college, I’d be hit with a wave of anxiety/depression that lasted 2 weeks to a month. There was something about the transition from leaving what I knew as stability nine months out of the year to a place that didn’t feel my own and one that held a lot of painful memories I had not yet processed (and quite honestly, am still processing) through therapy.
After the first couple of times this happened, my mom and I realized it was a “transition thing.” Suddenly finding myself in a new place, with old routines thrown out the window, uncertainty about my future, and a calendar that was wide open, sent me to states of anxiety and depression that we would have to carefully navigate as I reconstructed my life.
But eventually, things would start to level out. I’d rebuild my routine, seek help for the anxiety and depression, and get through until the next semester.
Facing A Transition Together
We, my friends, are in a MAJOR transition period (for lack of better terms). We’re finding ourselves with cleared calendars, uncertainty, fear, old routines gone, and new routines to build.
I feel it. And I know you do too. Here are some things I’ve found that are helping me address this anxiety.
(Full transparency: I feel the tightness in my chest at this very moment, as these words are flowing from my fingertips. It’s very real for me, and it’s very real for you too. So, let’s band together.)
Sleep
Sleep has to be a main priority during this time. A tired mind is an anxious mind. But trust me, I know how difficult it can be to sleep when we are anxious. I’ve really found OLLY Sleep Melatonin Gummy, All Natural Flavor and Colors with L Theanine, Chamomile, and Lemon Balm, 3 mg per Serving, 25 Day Supply (50 Count) to be helpful when I can’t fall asleep. For me, they work well and don’t leave me feeling that hungover exhaustion you feel with other sleep aids.
Relaxation
But what about when we’re feeling restless during the day? Deep breathing and reminding myself to come back to the present moment have been crucial for me in relaxing.
Here are also a couple supplements I’ve found that help me.
Again, consult your doctor before trying any of these supplements.
Meditation
I’ve always found it a bit difficult to focus on meditation, especially when I’m anxious. Mainly because when I’m anxious, I’m usually focused on all of the things that need to get done. But I’ve been using the Hallow App recently, which I absolutely love and have found very helpful. If you’ve heard of Calm or Headspace, this is similar, BUT it’s the Christian-Catholic version. Yup, you heard that right. You’ll get guided meditations in the form of prayer, you can pray the rosary, lectio divina, and so much more.
You can sign up for it here.
Journaling
I’ve always been a huge proponent of journaling no matter how you’re feeling. I think writing through what you’re feeling helps create a sense of control in your life and makes the problems feel a bit less daunting.
To help with this, I created The Imperishable Crown, which is a workout journal dedicated to the mind, body, and soul. You can get a copy here.
If you’re journaling in your own journal, don’t overcomplicate it. Write when you feel the need, or write at a certain time every day to build it into a habit. I don’t typically use prompts, but one thing I try to do every night is write down something that happened that day that brings me joy. I call this my “Joy Jar.”
At-Home Workouts
I have been walking A LOT recently. It really is all we can do, right? But I understand we just need more than that during this time. I’ve been doing at-home workouts live on my Instagram story and have been running quite frequently. If you’re at a loss for what workouts to do, check out this HIIT workout below. Follow me on social media (I share my workouts there first) and stay tuned for a FREE 30 day workout guide coming soon!
Schedule Rotations
I’ve heard from a lot of people (myself included) that the shift in schedules and routines has really been a challenge. I’m feeling it myself. So, I’ve decided to write up a few schedules/routines that I can pull from depending on how I’m feeling the night before or morning of. The goal here is to keep me on a routine, but making sure it’s flexible.
The ability to essentially “choose my path” each morning helps me feel a sense of control, while knowing I don’t have to be perfect.
And if you’re struggling with meal planning during this time, download my free meal planning template. It’s simple, but helpful!
Community & Prayer
And of course, we need to stay connected with one another and with our Lord. I’ve found the Lux U app to be extremely helpful during this time and our women’s Facebook group.
I hope this has been helpful. Trust me, I know how hard it is. We are faced with so much uncertainty. But hold onto the hope that we are walking through the desert to the Promise Land. Our God is good and is faithful. Even though we feel these things, let us never turn away from Him, for He is holding us in the palm of His hand.
Please reach out to me if you have questions, need to share your thoughts, or just plain want to connect.
Much love,
God bless you. ❤️