Better than Surviving: How to Stay Emotionally Well in the Time of COVID-19
Apr 24, 2020Anne O'Connor
For some people, our new world of pandemic-required isolation has meant more time with loved ones, a welcomed slowing down, and maybe a little more sleep.
And for others, the strain of trying to work from home with the kids around, working on the front-line jobs, the loss of connection, or watching loved ones suffer is taking a toll.
Maybe it's all true at the same time. Which can lead to feeling happy and grateful one day and weepy and worried the next. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone.
This week, I start a new video-interview series called "Better than Surviving: How to Stay Emotionally Well in the Time of COVID-19. I'll gather experts who are steeped in the research and work focused on thriving and what it takes: yes, even in a pandemic. Through these interviews, we'll bring you practical ideas along with emotional support and a big dose of inspiration to get us through this time stronger and ready for whatever comes next.
Today, I speak with Dr. Patricia Frazier, who runs the Stress and Trauma Lab at the University of Minnesota's Psychology Department. She says that while all our feelings are important, they shouldn't be what is controlling our decisions making or even our moods right now. She also talks about:
* A fascinating study in which they actually give study participants a wound to demonstrate how stress can impact our physical health and healing. Yikes!
* The two kinds of stress: The kind we can do something about, and the kind we have little control over.
* How important our response is to our well-being--no matter the situation.
There's a lot more in this interview: Take a look.
Now, will you share this with someone who needs it today by posting it on social media or forwarding this to a friend or a group? What is the one thing that Dr. Frazier suggests that you're going to start using today?
Thanks for being here. Thanks for taking good care of yourself and your people. Sending you big wishes for more peace and less strain during this time.
Love and thriving,
Anne
