The dictionary defines fear as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, capable of causing pain, or threatening. Along with these thoughts go many physiological hormonal processes that can affect your health in the long run. If you have headaches, anxiety, digestive problems, and insomnia worrying about Covid 19, elections, rent payments, bills, kids going back to school, going back to work, etc., keep reading. According to an article from the University of Minnesota, living under constant threat has serious health consequences. Fear weakens the immune system and can cause cardiovascular damage, gastrointestinal problems such as intestinal ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome, and decreased fertility. Long-term stress can even lead to accelerated aging and early death.
I wonder why I would put my entire life on hold and quarantine for 5 months to avoid a life threatening infection while consciously creating life threatening hormonal changes in my body. My answer to myself was “I wouldn’t”.
The opposite of fear is confidence or calm. No matter how much I need to focus on relaxation or calm, I have realized that I am wasting this quarantine time if I don’t work hard to combat stress. According to the Huff Post, God actually commands us not to fear or worry at least 80 times in the Bible. Stress and fear have apparently been around for a long time.
Adding to the stress factors are the issues of Netflix and chill. Sitting for prolonged periods is also linked to heart disease and diabetes. It can be as destructive as Covid itself!
I know that at home if I am nervous, so is my husband and most importantly, our puppy. He crouches under me and also watches movies. So after the first month of lockdown where we had agreed to binge on a couple of our favorite shows with 5 seasons of TWICE, we knew that some kind of mental/emotional illness would hit us all if we didn’t agree. about plans to exercise or meditate together every day along with activities we do at certain times to mark the days. This is really a difficult time in life, isn’t it?
I can’t tell anyone what to do with their time, but I’ve been a coach for many years and I know that watching TV locked up for months on end is not good for anyone. Here are my suggestions.
First of all, if the weather and the neighborhood allow it, walking every day is the best thing to do. If you are sick, 5 minutes a day is a good starting point. If you’re young and healthy, now is a good time to set goals for some form of competition in the future. Why not? I’m old, but I’m considering a career in Corn Hole and Pickle Ball when this is over. I didn’t even know I was missing sports competition until now.
I am an active QiGong practitioner, which is what brings me to a relaxed place after walking. I post a lot of videos and recommend going to YouTube for a lot of shows. I love Mimi Kuo Deemer’s lectures and classes (click). She is real! There is an 8 move routine called BaDuanJin that is also shown on YouTube and is a great daily practice. Actually, if you were to get interested in QiGong, there are millions of credible videos to learn. I chose QiGong because I am nervous and busy and at first sitting quietly while my mind was screaming didn’t work for me. After practicing the movements while meditating, I find it easier to practice a sitting meditation.
It is imperative to take a moment away from our ongoing stressful situation. You have to take the time to do something, anything to prevent stress hormones from spiking your blood pressure. Your own choice of music on headphones, sounds of waterfalls or the ocean, or even listening to relaxing music in your car are some of the things you can do. A hot bath, nap, sitting in the backyard, or anything to clear your mind for even 5 minutes a day will stop the surge of stress hormones and give you a minute to rest.
If you don’t have a job and you’re freaking out, I send you positive thoughts and prayers. I go crazy when I see politicians go home on vacation with no unemployment decisions being made. Gone for a four day weekend? They have no idea that a hungry working person is checking the mailbox twice a day “just in case” anyway. That’s why I suggest you switch the channel to funny pets for an hour or two. the less time you have focus in the news, better.
Whatever you do, know that you are not alone here. Some people don’t give a #$%@ about us, but many do. If you need help with food, ask. If you need a higher credit card limit, please ask. You may be surprised at what some companies are doing for people. There are good people out there who understand the situation Americans find themselves in.
The opposite of fear is curiosity, confidence, courage, or calm. Spend time talking to those you trust, satisfy your curiosity by taking a free online course, get outside and breathe! Maybe I’ll see you at the pickleball court. This nightmare will end. Take care of everyone.
