How’s that for a title? 

When brainstorming blog post ideas 3 months ago, I never thought I’d be offering reflections or coping mechanisms on how to navigate and survive a global pandemic. And yet…here we are.

In this strange—and different—new reality.

Perhaps this post is redundant (given my propensity to discuss self-care in the past—boring and otherwise), but maybe, just maybe, it will offer you a glimmer of something beneficial.

6 Coping Mechanisms Carrying Me Through the Covid-19 Pandemic

1. Fun and meaningful music

There’s been a lot of 90s pop and movie soundtrack sing-alongs going on (quietly) in my office. I’m not sorry about it. Listening to boybands takes me back to a time of innocence and possibility, and soundtracks like Waitress and The Greatest Showman allow me to feel my emotions freely. 

2. Eating (relatively) well

There have been a few Cheez-It and potato chip binges (and I am absolutely drinking too much wine—that’s a discussion for another day), but for the most part, our dietary habits haven’t changed. We cook at home, we try to consume an acceptable amount of vegetables, and we haven’t starved. I consider that a success, because our bodies need nutrients during this challenging time.

3. Audiobooks & podcasts

I miss my local library so much! But thankfully I have the Hoopla app and my growing collection of podcasts to keep my mind from succumbing to an anxious spiral. Some of my favorites have been Dani Shapiro’s “The Way We Live Now” (such a beautiful reminder of our common humanity and how none of us is untouched by this crisis) and “Verified” (some heavy, potentially triggering subject matter, but it was well done). A few books I’ve listened to lately are: The Good Neighbors (**½), Before She Knew Him (****), and Pieces of Her (***½).

4. Journaling & “noticing”

Right around the time social distancing and staying at home became the norm, I signed up for a 30-day journaling “challenge” with Amber Rae. I did fall off course toward the end (I still need to finish the last few prompts), but even when I’m not physically writing my thoughts down, I am noticing my feelings and the simple things around me (bet you never realized how many different colors of wildflowers there can be in a single field or just how amazing a magnolia in bloom smells!). I think each of us could benefit from a bit of mindfulness—in the form of journaling or simple reflection.

5. Nature walks

I realize not everybody has this luxury, particularly if you live in a crowded city or don’t get many breaks, but thankfully I have the opportunity to get outside during my lunch, in the evenings, and on the weekend. I miss the gym and higher intensity exercise, but for now, I’m relishing the simplicity of gently moving my body and inhaling fresh air on these beautiful spring days. It’s going to be tougher once summer heat and humidity roll in, but until then, I’m taking full advantage.

6. Removing myself from conversations that are “too much”

It’s incredibly hard for me and my logic-loving, truth-seeking mind to “walk away” from false statements and the propagation of conspiracy theories, but I’ve made an effort to snooze people who won’t listen to other viewpoints or just put my phone down when I see subject matter that makes me cringe. It’s a fine line—wanting not to argue or offend, but feeling a moral obligation to steer the conversation away from falsehoods—but I have to keep myself healthy by recognizing when my best interest is to move on.

Coping Mechanisms for navigating #Covid19 Share on X

In small ways and large, each of us is faced with struggle and uncertainty right now. We owe it to ourselves and our loved ones to do our best to take care of body and mind. To those of you who have been hit the hardest by working the front lines, facing job insecurity, or falling ill, my heart goes out to you. I sincerely hope you find the support and peace you need.