Throughout the world, the coronavirus pandemic has changed how we connect with others. In Massachusetts, many other states and our entire world, restaurants have closed and community events are being postponed or cancelled. We are being asked to social distance and stay home as much as possible. I am reminded of the anxiety we felt after September 11th and how we worked through it individually and as a society. We did it before and we can do it again.
How much anxiety is too much?
Our routines have been upset and there are many unknowns, this results in an increase in anxiety. If you are feeling some anxiety, it is normal. If anxiety is disrupting your relationships, work or general well being, take some steps now to reduce stress.
Some Signs of Anxiety
- Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge.
- Being easily fatigued.
- Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank.
- Irritability.
- Muscle tension.
- Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless unsatisfying sleep).
As empaths, we have to be aware of how much anxiety we absorb from others. It is our responsibility to protect and rejuvenate our energy. Remember, connecting through our fear over and over again is not authentically connecting. It is called obsessing and ruminating. In the long term, this damages our health and weakens our immune system.
What can I do?
Become aware of what is raising your anxiety. Notice what people and circumstances are triggering anxious thoughts. What feels frightening to you?
Choose your thoughts and responses. I am reminded of my Mom in difficult times like these. She suffered a severe stroke which left her entire right side paralyzed. She taught me an important lesson, nine years ago, this month. No matter what your circumstance in life (whether you are ill, ordered to be in a quarentine, practicing social distancing, are required to travel into work, etc.), you CHOOSE your thoughts and responses.
Take precautions. Do what the CDC recommends which includes washing your hands, not touching your face, covering coughs and sneezes while practicing social distancing, and holding off on non-essential travel.
Feel the fear, don’t dwell. Allow yourself a brief time each day to sit, feel and release your fear. You may do this through writing, talking to others or online/phone counseling. Learn to shift into gratitude, focus on what you have and practice ways to distract your mind. (reading a book, watching a comedy, going for a walk)
Have compassion for yourself and set some new boundaries. You may need to watch less news. Read the news once a day, rather than checking it every few hours. Don’t watch the news before going to bed. Spend less time on social media, which can fuel your fear and spread misinformation.
Start connecting to spirit, yourself and others in alternative ways. You can use phone calls or Skype/Zoom to connect with others. Make more time to pray, meditate, write, be creative and connect within.
You are all in my thoughts. This is a temporary situation, it will not last forever. I am always available for phone counseling and angel card readings.
Lisa Hutchison LMHC is a licensed psychotherapist and writing coach who helps sensitive souls not just survive but shine. She is the Amazon bestselling author of I Fill My Cup: A Journal for Compassionate Helpers and the kindle book Setting Ethical Limits for Caring & Competent Professionals. Get a FREE 10 page E-book; 8 Simple Things That Release Chaos from Your Life Now at http://www.lisahutchison.net
As an empath myself, it is critical in today’s world for me to stay at home as much as possible, to stay away from the news (have for years), and as much as possible get into the forests I go to to ground, heal and detox. Change is difficult for many people, myself included. There has been so many changes lately it sets your head spinning. Really enjoyed your post, Lisa. Thank you!
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Many empaths including myself joke, we were made for social distancing. I often kept my space as much as I could in public due to other people’s energies, before this pandemic.
Change is difficult especially when it is imposed upon us. I am a free spirit, a part of me feels limited. I channel these energies into creativity, which sets me free.
Thanks AmyRose for your comments and stay well. 🙏
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Yes I am the same as you. Since this enforced lockdown, I’ve been feeling very limited almost as if I were in prison plus I am picking up on the general panic. I’m working through all this right now. I limit myself to how much people I can take. I’ve become a “loner” over the years but that’s OK because like you as well, I focus on my creativity. My creativity sets me free, a free spirit trapped in an insane world. xo
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Love your advice here Lisa, and like you I feel the energies and have had to step back and decern what it is I’m feeling.
What is mine and what is others.
And you’re spot on with feel the fear but don’t dwell.
While we have to be responsible and follow all guidelines, I’m viewing this event as a massive shift in our global consciousness. As we are all challenged to alter our priorities.
Thank you for your wisdom Lisa, take care of yourself my friend. 💙🙏💚😘
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Thanks Sue!
I know there is a deeper lesson and meaning to these challenging times. We are all called to look at our priorities, how we treat one another and Mother Earth.
You are welcome, Sue. Many Blessings and be well, my friend! xoxo
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Thank you and you too.. ❤
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Wonderful advice. I especially love the last part, but all of it is important. Light and Love
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Thank you Heather Maria. I know you are a fellow prayer warrior and creative. Many Blessings, Lisa xoxo
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Wonderful advice, Lisa. I’m staying actively in touch with friends and family via phone calls, emails and social media. As our Prime Minister said on Sunday, Social Distancing does not mean Emotional Distancing. But I’m also making sure I maintain boundaries to prevent exhaustion.
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Thank you Vatsala. I love that…social distancing does not mean emotional distancing. Very true. Boundaries are very important with the fear based energies. Be well. Many Blessings, Lisa xoxo
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I am absolutely watching less news, checking the old internet less, and complaining online. Whenever I feel the old panic or depression start to set in, I drop down and meditate until it passes.
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Great awareness Barb, that will serve you well in protecting your energies. Many Blessings, Lisa
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Excellent article and great advice Lisa! The mayor of Los Angeles uses the term “personal distancing” and I prefer it to social distancing. Most of us now interact at a safe distance in public, (when we venture out) but most activity is online through social media and video chats with friends and family. I agree with you, limit the time you watch the news and do things that bring you joy. I just ordered a large puzzle, am learning chess, playing cards, signed up for the Masterclass Series and it’s a WOW! It’s giving us all time to be together in different ways while staying safe, protecting ourselves and others that may be at risk. Most important of all, Mother Earth is healing. As always, you inspire me!
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Thanks Debra!
I like that term, “personal distancing,” we need to be social just in new ways. I love how you are learning new skills.
Be well and many Blessings! xoxo
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As an empath, my authentic connections in the form of friends and family are supporting me as I support others. Sensitives are prone to feeling empathy overload and this can create compassion fatigue if we don’t ask for help and share our feelings with our support team. Thank you Lisa ❤
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Supports are important for us helpers to reduce burnout and compassion fatigue. These are extraordinary times we are living in. You are welcome, Debra and be well! Blessings, Lisa
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