3 Tips on Surviving COVID-19

As social workers and people helping those vulnerable. Those that already have tough lives, what can I personally do during a global crisis? I am an introvert and I actually love social isolation, it’s what I have been doing for years! But I know for others, especially my clients, this has heightened their anxiety to the MAAAAX! And, life is about connection and love.

So here are some ways to bring some lightness to this fear.

1. I am acting with compassion in as many moments as I can… 

Compassion for those who are in fear and their anxiety has increased. We may see that in mass panic buying, or projection and irritation over something that seems unimportant, or missed appointments. What we know about fear is that our survival systems are turned on and having the foresight to emotionally regulate and be relaxed is completely compromised and unavailable. Clients turn to us to find hope and a sense of control over their lives. Im striving to be that point of hope through a compassionate response. ❤️

2. I am self regulating…

In order for me to be fully compassionate and present with someone I need to be able to settle my own stuff down. My go to is daily meditation and breath work. What’s yours? If you don’t know what keeps you in a good headspace, take this opportunity to learn, and jump online onto some of the free offerings that are available. From Oprah and Idris Elba chatting to Dr Kerryn Phelps giving free tips on how to stay emotionally, spiritually and physically healthy. Whatever your jam is, its out there! 😌

3. Staying connected…

And for me, its through two sources. Booking in for supervision, and staying connected with my business and clinical mentors. Using this opportunity to create personal and clinical growth. Every time I feel frustrated or irritated by COVID-19 I ask myself, what can I take from this? What can I learn from this, what is this emotion going to teach me about myself, so that I can be a better social worker.

The other way I am staying connected is that I am a surfer, so I looooove jumping in the ocean at sunrise and connecting with my surfing tribe and watching the sunrise come up. Nothing like feeling a sense of hope when the world starts again. Im mindful, Im connected and I feel in control of me. 🏄🏽‍♀️