Sanity is all about our mental state. Yes, so much of our anxiety and worries are linked to things beyond our control. However, it is crucial to remember that a huge chunk also lies in our hands. We are in charge of our sanity.
Here are a few steps that can help re-establish, if not strengthen, your level of sanity.
WE NEED TO ACCEPT
We need to accept, recognize, and acknowledge that our current situation is difficult. This is a health issue. It is not easy; it is not simple. We shouldn’t belittle the situation and accept the uncertainty that comes with it. We shouldn’t expect anything from anyone. Likewise, we shouldn’t pin ourselves to past plans as it would only lead to a vicious cycle of frustration. If anything, we should pin ourselves to the present. Stay in the moment and allow grief for any loss.
WE NEED TO ADMIT
We need to admit that things will not go back to the way they were before the pandemic. The new normal is going to be different. But we must realize that we can take charge of our lives. When the line between our limitation and everything within our control becomes clear to us, we can comprehend the thoughts and emotions we experience.
WE NEED TO ALLOW
We need to allow ourselves to feel. Let’s not bottle up our feelings. Let’s find moments to grieve. We need to allow moments of weakness. When we allow ourselves to embrace the less beautiful experiences, we also allow ourselves to heal and move forward. What we don’t feel, we cannot heal. Let go and let God.
WE NEED TO ADJUST
We need to adapt and be flexible. If we have trouble finding the complete ingredients for a dish we want to cook in the supermarket, for instance, we can make an adjustment. If we can no longer have our 7PM walk because of quarantine restrictions, let’s adjust. Instead of whining, let’s transfer our energy to adjustment. Let’s adjust how we treat ourselves. Let’s adjust our routines. Let’s adjust the way we do things. We need to pause, ponder, and pivot as needed.
WE NEED TO ALIGN OURSELVES
Our mind is connected to our body. Our body is also connected to our spirit. Let’s look at praying, for example. When we pray for health, do we also actively take care of ourselves? Do we choose to create solutions that support our health and well-being? The Lord will bless graciously but we also need to do our part to be aligned with Him. Faith without work is nothing. But work without prayer can also be nothing. We will be like soulless machines, with no spirit.
I hope these tips help you better support and care for your sanity. This is something you need to do for yourself especially at this time. May you be blessed more as you bless the world. – WITH PAU DE VERA
Photo by Dingzeyu Li on Unsplash