Chaos and uncertainty can trigger so many emotions, especially for trauma survivors. With the global pandemic of Coronavirus throughout the world people are coming to terms with how we don’t have control. For my generation (I’m 28) and many others, this is the first time we have experienced a global pandemic. It is also the first time many people have ever experienced a state of fear.
For me, it’s a reminder that I haven’t had control in many aspects of my life for nine years. Which has always been a foreign concept for someone with a type A personality. Yet, instead of letting fear win, I’ve shifted my mindset and focused on all that I can control during this time.
Here’s what I’m choosing to take control over:
My Body: Which is huge for anyone who has experienced sexual assault since it’s one thing we lost control over at one point. I’m waking up every morning and moving, whether that’s a walk with my dogs, a workout on the spin bike I’m renting or a mixture of bodyweight and light weight workouts. I’m moving at least once every day.
Fresh Air: I’m spending at least 10 minutes outside every day. On days with sunshine, it’s easier to spend more but even on the cooler days I’m getting outside.
Health: I’m eating fresh and healthy food, avoiding sugar and drinking a lot of water. The essentials, that are often easy to forget. Especially cutting out sugar, which for me often triggers nightmares.
Smiling: Even for a few minutes a day with no one around (except my dogs) I smile.
Virtual Interactions: As often as it feels right I will call, text or Facetime with a loved one.
Reading: I’m currently reading two books and spending time every day away from electronics and with a good book.
And the most difficult, my mind: I’m finding the time to find the good in all of this and release control. Practicing gratitude right now is more important than ever, and it does help. What do you have to be thankful for?
Fear, uncertainty and loss of control are not new concepts for me. They can trigger different emotions in someone who's experienced trauma but we can also choose how we react. Trust me, I have anxiety too about our current situation. But I am controlling it the best I can, I have so much to be thankful for and I’ve overcome a lot, I'm sure you have too. I know we will all overcome this.
We are all experiencing this new trauma of Coronavirus together, and we have each other to get through this experience with, something I’ve never had in the past. The fact that no one is in this alone and we have each other for support is one thing to be thankful for.
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