COVID-19 — Juggling Situational Anxiety & Working Remotely
The coronavirus has created a new reality.
All of us experience anxiety at various points in our lives. When we can’t pin the reason down it’s referred to as free-floating anxiety.
Situational anxiety is when we are responding to a specific stressor. We know what’s causing the unsettling feelings we are experiencing.
COVID-19 is scary. No question about it. Our world’s been turned upside down! It’s a situation designed to instill anxiety in the heartiest of individuals.
Although most of us haven’t been exposed, the possiblity exists that we are asymptomatic. The government and cable media bombard us 24/7 with conflicting stories and statistics about the virus, how deadly it is and what we need to do to protect ourselves and loved ones.
In many cases we are socially isolated and spending more time on our own than we ever imagined.
We get it. This is a serious pandemic; people are dying and there’s no end in sight. It wouldn’t be human not to worry that we might catch it. The virus is very real and the anxiety being experienced is directly related to the situation. Consequently, we can address the angst and fear that has been generated.
When we know the root of what distresses us, we can’t always change the “situation,” but can work on our internal response. We have the ability to craft our way of looking at a situation, determining how best to assuage its effect and the most productive means to move forward.
By being mindful which is an “…awareness for one’s physical and mental state in the moment, we can adopt strategies to help us cope with the tangible situation that accosts us.
Mindfulness allows for reflection and awareness of our emotions. The more we comprehend what we are experiencing in the moment the easier it is to develop strategies for coping. Here’s one link filled with exercises. By Googling “mindfulness exercises for anxiety,’’ you’ll find more results than you can read in a lifetime😊
Mind Acrobatics™ is also a great tool for getting in touch with much that is rooting around just below the surface of your conscious. Self-exploration exercises, they are designed to help you craft positive emotional responses to events that are sometimes beyond your control.
Let’s pivot to working remotely. Having been self-employed and working out of my home for 25+ years I can share a few insights that might be helpful.
Although my embarking on self-employment was through choice many of the same frustration and obstacles as “forced remote work” apply.
Here are just a few of the universal characteristics:
· Loneliness
· Cabin fever
· Family disrupting work hours
· Distraction/wasting time
· Lack of ability to focus
· Periodically wanting to throw in the towel
All of the above with the exception of the last bullet point are within your power to ameliorate. They are fairly self-explanatory and it’s simply a matter of designing a solution for each.
For example, sometimes it’s necessary to talk with the family and establish rules for when you are working.
Cabin fever, which I suffered from extensively was spending five days in my home without going out and not realizing it. Once I became more mindful, I set down specific times to go outside and exercise or simply clear my head.
It’s easy to become distracted and lose focus when we are on our own. Training ourselves to be aware when this occurs allows rectification of the challenge.
Loneliness can be ameliorated once it’s recognized and acknowledged. There are lots of ways to adapt to physical separation in the era of social media and digital communication.
Right now, “throwing in the towel” is probably not an option. You’ve been sent away from the office to work at home. Isolation from working associates can be unnerving and uncomfortable.
Of course, you can groan, complain and be unhappy. Many people live their whole lives that way.
Or, you can choose to aggressively work at increasing self-awareness, determining what’s impacting you and making a decision to accept your new reality with optimism.
Turn a negative into a positive. For example, you might find that you are saving ninety minutes a day of commuting. What could you do with that newfound time?
Tying it All Together
These are tough times. Although most of us are not sick, we are impacted by the ramifications of the coronavirus. It’s natural to feel stress, anxiety, fear and a myriad of negative emotions. Accept them and look for the positive as you determine how you want to live life moving forward.
What You Can Do
Be mindful of your emotions, particularly any anxiety you may be feeling. Work at alleviating it… either on your own or by seeking professional help. If you are feeling overwhelmed consider turning to a mental health professional.
Another option during this period of enforced isolation is a life coach. Most work by telephone and a few sessions might assist you to quickly turn things around. Find coaches through the International Coach Federation.
Explore the dynamics and impact of working remotely. Here’s an excellent Medium article on the intersection of anxiety and remote work.
A Final Thought
It’s always important to acknowledge and accept reality. COVID-19 and working remotely are anxiety provoking. That being said, it’s in your power to determine how you will control your emotions and move forward with a positive outlook.
Remember too, your situation is better than most. Estimates are that unemployment may hit 20%. You are working and receiving a paycheck. That’s an enviable position in these trying times.
Let’s hope this crisis ends soon. Moving forward, you will have discovered inner-strengths never before imaginable. Use this self-insight to inform how you live your life to the fullest.
photo: Copyright: <a href=”https://www.123rf.com/profile_studiograndouest">studiograndouest / 123RF Stock Photo</a>
