The majority of my clients have had their lives turned upside down this year. If you feel overwhelmed, you certainly are not alone. I see a higher level of anxiety across the board, and for people who already struggled with anxiety, 2020 has made it unmanageable for some. You probably hear this message a lot, but I want to take a few moments and offer some hope.
I believe we can grow through these losses and emerge better than before. In fact, when I look back across my life, the times of greatest growth always followed times of loss and difficulty. I have several thoughts to share.
First, extra time spent resting and recharging is not wasted. It can boost your immunity and help you find strength and energy to go forward. If you think you don’t have enough time to rest, think about what it can cost you to push yourself too hard.
Second, I am always reminding people to breathe deeply and slowly. I suggest you do this for several minutes several times a day, and add on calming thoughts to your habit. Take that time to notice what you are thankful for and what is going right in your life.
Third, but certainly not least: If you are a person of faith, lean into it. Make sure you are encouraging yourself daily with your deeply held beliefs. Religious practices have been shown in many studies to benefit mental health, and I have seen this in my practice and in my own life. Here is one article that gives more information: https://ifstudies.org/blog/the-positive-effects-of-religion-on-mental-illness.