4 Ways to Cope with the Anniversary of the Covid-19 Pandemic
My medical provider marked the one-year anniversary of the Covid-19 pandemic by sending an email with four coping strategies. They warned me that big emotions (grief, frustration, anger, guilt, etc.) may threaten to overwhelm me and spill over into physical symptoms. They assured me that this “anniversary reaction” was normal and common.
I am not feeling any of these big emotions at this time, but I have had all of them throughout this year. If I were having those emotions now, their coping suggestions would not be enough to help me. I have developed my own coping strategies that are more effective.
In case you are having any of those big emotions right now, I will share their coping strategies, and mine. I am including them both because both are valid. Asking for help from a counselor or therapist in addition to prayer is an excellent coping strategy. God wants you healthy and whole, and He has gifted many with the skills to guide you there. Needing support is not a lack of faith; it demonstrates our dependence on God and His provision. Accessing support displays His strength in our weakness! I pray that you find some strategies that work for you.
Their suggestions:
· Name it. Acknowledge whatever emotions come up and label them for what they are: an anniversary reaction.
· Practice self-care. Get out in nature, call a loved one or meditate.
· Avoid comparison. Try your best to not judge how you are coping based on how others are managing their own grief. Remember: whatever you are feeling is valid.
· Ask for help. Sharing how you are feeling with a loved one or mental health expert can help you feel less alone.
Cindy’s Coping Strategies:
· Be in God’s Presence. Reading the Word and prayer are just two of many ways to enter into God’s Presence. The whole point is to rest in your Heavenly Father’s arms. I start by expressing my gratitude to Him, then I soak in His heart of love for me. In God’s Presence is fullness of joy. Even a few minutes in God’s Presence brings a peace in my heart.
· Sing Loudly. Just listening to worship songs does not always shift my mood. Sometimes I need to be fully engaged in the worship to alter the spiritual atmosphere. So, I sing at the top of my voice, and move to the music! When I am feeling low, I have to push myself to do it, but I am always glad I did.
· Serve someone else. It is amazing how uplifting helping others can be. I love to partner with God to serve others because I feel His pleasure. It is a win-win situation: God is honored; the other person is blessed; and I feel joy 😊
· Ask for prayer. I am blessed to have many prayer warriors in my life. Even if you do not, access to prayer has never been easier. I thank God for all the churches and ministries who consider it a privilege to pray for His sheep. One such ministry is healingrooms.com. Ask for prayer; it is a life changer!!