First, take a big, deep breath. We’re gonna’ talk about the hard stuff, but I promise, it’s not gonna’ be all bad. So keep reading…
By now, every mom knows about Covid-19. As I write this, we’re still at the start of the scare, and we’re all feeling forced to find a new normal.
The novel coronavirus is continuing to spread quickly. We’re all trying to make sense of it. We all want to know how to go about our lives and still protect ourselves, our babies, our families, and our communities.
If you’re feeling anxious, I hear you — and you aren’t alone! This is new, and can feel extremely overwhelming. There are no prizes for being the bravest, the most prepared, or the most optimistic right now.
Take another deep breath with me here. Inhale, exhale. And now, here’s the challenge: settle into your seat and get cozy, because we’re about to dive into the discomfort that’s got everyone off-center. And here’s the ironic secret: the discomfort is a compass showing you where you can find more peace.
In this extraordinary, hard time in history, I believe that you can thrive. That’s why I am continuing to do my work, like this week’s podcast.
In this episode, I suggest three doable steps for dealing with anxiety and overwhelm.
Now is not the time to throw all self-care out the window.
Now is the time to double down and take extra special care of yourself. Here’s my three step plan for dealing with anxiety right now.
1) Sit with your discomfort
Allow yourself to feel your feelings. As weird as it might feel, invite them in. Try to hide your feelings doesn’t work because, as the old adage goes, “what we resist, persists.” Breathe your anxiety in, and out. And notice that it doesn’t destroy you.
2) Ask for help… and be open to receiving it!
If you need help, ask. As moms, we’re used to doing it all on our own — and asking for help can be tough. But these are tough times, and you can use them to become a master at asking and receiving. This 2-part mantra can support you: first, close your eyes and say “Help me, help me, help me…” and then, “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” The next step in asking for help is being able to take that help. Truly accept it, with gratitude. And know that you can help others the same way in the future.
3) What’s the one thing I can do to make my solution more real right now?
Choose one thing — one action to do, one phrase to say, one thought to think — that can make your situation feel better. Focus on that over and over throughout the day.
You can head over to Apple Podcasts and checkout the rest of our podcast episodes.
P.S. Don’t forget to share this episode with another mom who might need to hear it. And I’d love it if you left me a 5-start review or a comment – it helps other people to find me!
