How to thrive in this transition – the Post Pandemic future
How are we supposed to get back there? Will we survive the open (ground)? Are we safe? Will we ever go back to normal again?
Everyone has been exposed to different stressors over the past year because of the pandemic. Everyone had their fair share of anxiety, stress, grief, and loss. Whether it is intangible or tangible possession, all emotions are valid.
Now that restrictions are slowly easing up, the fear of transition and the feeling of us going back to the world we used to know starts to creep in. We are not sure if we are ready to meet new people again, work in a new environment, sit beside a stranger or hear people’s opinions and feedback again.
We are afraid that the world we used to know is a new place of uncertainty.
So how do we plan to thrive in this pandemic with all these fears and anxiety in our minds?
- Recognize and identify what we truly feel.
What you are feeling right now is undoubtedly what is inside of you. These feelings are valid and authentic. Once you determine what you truly feel, you can easily connect it with reality. Some of our fears and anxiety are out of our imagination, which hinders us from moving forward.
What did you feel when you were told that you can now resume work at the office? Or resume classes at school? How did you react? How did you manage to change your morning habits and routines?
By recognizing and identifying what we truly feel, we start being mindful of our thoughts and behaviors. We become more connected to ourselves. The more we place these feelings, the more we get to know ourselves and our power.
- Remember to breathe.
Some experts would say that it’s okay to take your time and slow down, but what if the world we live in is not up for it? How do we cope?
Consciously breathing in and out reminds us to become present. By breathing through our nose and slowly breathing out through our mouth, we control the rhythm of our heartbeat, lower or stabilize our blood pressure and lower the amount of stress. Remember that performing breathing techniques can help you feel grounded and prevent your mind from overthinking whenever you are about to do something significant, exciting, or something that you need to focus on.
- Ask for help.
Are there challenges that you think are too much for you to handle? Do you believe that the weight of your problems is already beyond your control? Is it affecting your daily life already? Does it have an impact on your overall health?
Reaching out to someone and asking for help is like giving yourself a lifeline. You provide yourself a chance to cope, fight back, and take control. This is you providing yourself an opportunity to remember your limitations, strength, and who you truly are.
We all have blind spots – behaviors, and personalities that we do not see because it’s too painful for us to face or bear. We need people to help us recognize this to provide solutions and move forward.
Do you know any people who could be there as you take a courageous step toward your new normal?
There is never a one-size-fits solution to all questions and doubts. There will always be a time that you will still stumble and fall but remember that your belief plays a significant role in living your best life.
I hope you will never stop believing that you are born to thrive.