Patience in the Pandemic: How to Outlast the Tough Times
Nurture Patience
The world we live in does not encourage patience. We’re accustomed to getting what we want when we want it: one- and two-day delivery, drive-throughs, instant messaging, and more. Pay attention to how you feel when you have to wait even a little bit longer than planned for something. Frustrated? Irritated? Angry?
Earlier generations of Americans underwent long stretches of necessary restrictions during world wars. And while they didn’t live in the same instant gratification culture that we do, it certainly wasn’t easy to endure limits on sugar, meat, milk, shoes, nylons, and more. Some people call this “Doing their duty by doing without.”
Because of the pandemic, we are called to do this same thing, practicing patience in the pandemic — even though we’re giving up something else than they did. There are steps we can take to nurture our patience. It isn’t always fun or easy. But patience can keep us, our loved ones, and our community safe.
If you’re struggling with impatience, try:
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, and stretches or yoga.
Practicing gratitude and looking for what has been good this year despite the pandemic.
Baby steps, such as letting your anger go while you wait in long lines.
Identifying how you feel when you’re impatient. Do you like feeling that way?
The truth is that we can learn to be more patient with practice, even if it isn’t fun or easy.
Nurture Your Physical Health
You’re probably tired of staying at home all the time. Nights out with friends are almost impossible to remember. The next available slot for curbside grocery pickup is days away. Even though you’ve purchased cute and stylish masks, you’re getting tired of wearing them. Your skin is chapped from frequent hand sanitizer use.
You’re doubtless asking yourself when this will end. Maybe you’ve already had COVID-19 or aren’t that concerned about it. You’re ready to jump back into life as it was pre-pandemic when you didn’t have to wear a mask and could socialize with as many people as you wanted.
While it sounds counterintuitive, the more we practice patience in the pandemic, the sooner we will be able to put the pandemic behind us. Taking things carefully can actually lead to the desired outcomes more quickly.
Nurture Your Mental Health
There’s no doubt that the pandemic’s ongoing isolation and social distancing are affecting people’s mental health. Even if you’re already a patient person, the continued loneliness and other consequences of the pandemic may be contributing to depression or anxiety. If you suspect this is your case, consider reaching out to a therapist for depression counseling. Their help and guidance can help you weather these uncertain times.
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Contact our office today for support practicing patient in the pandemic or visit my page our Depression Counseling to learn more about how I can help.