| We’re in a Crisis, Now What? The pandemic/quarantine has caused a global crisis. Being in any type of crisis will cause a mix of emotions we go through. The questions I get from many clients are: how do I handle a crisis? What will I feel? For many, it’s easier, if we know what to expect and what to do. Just knowing that it’s normal and others feel the same way can give us a sense of comfort and peace. Four Ways to Deal with a Crisis 1. What is the action we need to take? The more information and knowledge we have of the situation the more control we have. Get as much up to date information so you can take the information, evaluate it and create solutions. Knowledge is the enemy of fear and can reduce fear. *Remember, it’s important to get up to date information from reliable sources but don’t get overwhelmed with too much. Get what you need and move forward brainstorming and creating solutions. 2. Regression – we regress in our behaviors. It’s a defense mechanism that many use. We become stressed/anxious and everyday feels like ground hog day. What can you do to self-soothe when stress/anxious? What is in your emotional toolbox? exercise/walking, meditation, deep breathing, yoga, journal writing, etc. When everyday starts feeling the same, we become stagnate. To break this habit, do something new everyday. It can be simple things, try a new food/drink, walk a different route, read a different type of book, etc. 3. Lack of purpose – it’s hard to focus, concentrate and stay motivated when we are in a crisis and a time of uncertainty but without purpose/meaning we don’t feel happy and fulfilled. Create a new goal and action plan list that works for your current reality. If you are still trying to work on goals that were set pre-pandemic, they might not be realistic or attainable anymore. Your priorities, needs and wants might have shifted. Use this time to re-evaluate your life, what are your priorities? what’s important to you? what do you value? What do you want/need? 4. Recovery – this is when we move forward with our new goals/action plans we set. This is the time for our new norm. Remember, our norm can change quickly so re-evaluate often. |
| Montville Public Library, Managing Stress & Anxiety During a Crisis- 1pm Register at 973-402-0900 Thursday, September 24th, 6pm- Coping with Change – In PersonNorthampton Community College, PA – Monroe Campus Register at www.northampton.edu/admissions/campus-locations/monroe-campus.htm-Under Monroe Campus Tuesday, September 29th, Oct 6 & 13, 1pm – Building Resiliency for Today and Tomorrow’s Challenges Brookdale Community College, NJ Register at 732-224-2315 Tuesday, September 29th, 7pm – Navigating the New Normal Morristown Community School, NJ Register at 973-292-2020 Wednesday, September 30th, 6:30pm – Navigating the New Norm Ramsey Adult School, NJ Register at https://ramsey.augusoft.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=1003 or 201-327-2025 |
Finding your happiness 