We’ve heard the word tossed around a lot in marketing campaigns. Brands have become aware that we’re sensitive to the effects that we/they are having on our environment. This illustrates the part of the definition “avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance.”
Okay, some acknowledgment about that…because of awareness and a sense of responsibility, we have made great strides in water management, construction, waste management and agriculture, as well as in biofuel and other renewable energy resources.
What about “the capacity to be maintained at a certain rate or level”? Even though it is largely a matter of “do this to get that,” i.e. there is a price to be paid, there are still things we’ve come to take for granted. We believe things will not run out – for example, we believe the sun will always shine, the wind will always blow.
How does this fit into our relationships, work, diet, pain – what about the complete lifestyle change brought on by COVID-19?
In terms of human interaction, haven’t we all thought that gathering together shoulder-to-shoulder would always exist? Where are we now in terms of restaurants, movie theatres, concerts, sporting events and queues for everything, not to mention the subways in Manhattan or Tokyo? What has happened to hand shaking, cheek kissing and unbridled hugging? We were built for physical interaction, for touch.
But we are also resilient. People are actively using their [“extra”] free time to connect with more friends more frequently. I, myself, have been part of zoom meetings with many old college buddies as well as distant family members. Those we can be close to and hug get an extra moment or two of lingering, sincere appreciation, as do those we connect with remotely.
Until now, most of us did not go to bed wondering if our jobs would still be there when we got up. It is no surprise that the coronavirus has caused an economic downturn that brought with it increased unemployment rates. Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Japan are expected to have the least amount of increase, while Italy is looking at a jobless rate of 12.7% and Spain could reach 20.8%. More than a quarter of all jobs in Europe could be impacted by the pandemic, with up to 59 million jobs being at risk of reduced working hours, temporary furloughs and permanent job loss [McKinsey].
In only 5 weeks, the number of Americans filing their first unemployment claim escalated to more than 26 million, which resulted in an estimated 23% unemployment rate (U.S. Department of Labour). This is especially shocking considering the Great Depression saw a rate of 24.9%
Even so, there are bright spots for which to be grateful. The CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) has provisions for more money, longer benefit periods and easier eligibility requirements for Americans. Research from Global Workplace Analytics, MIT Technology Review Insights and future-of-work software company Faethm have shed light on what jobs across industries are “remoteable.” A poll of close to 400 executives in March showed that a majority of those companies were able to have more than 80% of their labour force work from home. This has been a blessing for many in terms of childcare and commuting time and expenses.
Countries including Ireland, Germany and Denmark, among others, are introducing emergency measures to help. For example, Ireland has relaxed application requirements for people to claim sickness benefits. The same is true in the UK when applying for SSP (statutory sick pay). Providing access to sick pay for people suspected with the disease means more people can self-isolate without suffering economic hardship.
But with all the self-isolation and shelter-in-place going on, how is our health being affected? Our routines are disrupted, especially ones around food and exercise. These are areas that are prone to obsession. It’s not surprising: in times of anxiety and uncertainty, we hold on tightly to what’s familiar. We want to be comfortable in the face of such discomfort.
Of course boredom is playing a part right now as well – there are many ways to get around that; what a great opportunity to “exercise” creativity!
The optimum road to take is neither obsessing nor ignoring. We certainly need to cut ourselves some slack as we deal with this new paradigm of ours. On the other hand, we would do well to seize the opportunity at hand to improve our health habits. What better way to shore ourselves up against the virus than by having a robust immune system!
Healthy habits and attention to self-care also help in the area of pain. Chronic pain is heavily influenced by anxiety, so many could be experiencing worsening symptoms during this highly challenging time. If this is happening to you, please take advantage of the following resources:
https://www.alleviatepain.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/freedomfrompaincommunity/
You can also find many helpful tips in our previous blogs:
- HOW TO DEAL WITH THE CORONAVIRUS
- Consider best/worst/likely case scenarios
- Use time to connect with loved ones
- Read
- Conduct back-burner repairs
- Get good sleep
- Embrace quiet time
- Get fresh air (bonus: while exercising)
- OVERWHELM PART DEUX
- Breathe deeply
- Stay hydrated
- Meditate
- Eat nutritious foods
- Ask for help when you need it
- Have trust and faith
- Go with the flow
- THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSCIOUS AWARENESS
- Notice everything you do, hear, read
- Question everything
- Do your own research
- LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED
- Connect with the earth and the love in your heart
- Let love energy expand and flow throughout your whole body
- Let this love energy envelop the entire world
- WHICH MINDSET DO YOU HAVE?
- Become aware of just how powerful you are
- Control your thoughts
- Choose your beliefs
- HOW TO TURN CHALLENGES INTO OPPORTUNITIES
- Re-evaluate your current situation
- Take advantage of the opportunity to change
- Explore hobbies and interests you previously had little time for
Join us on Facebook where you will find other helpful suggestions like these, as well as the ongoing support of a caring community. https://www.facebook.com/dawncady.mindsetcoach/
