How Are You Dealing with Covid-19 Insecurities?
Saying the pandemic has had a felt impact around the world is perhaps the greatest understatement of all times. In a matter of moments, the novel Coronavirus spread around the globe, leaving behind a trail of devastation.
With an increase in curfews and lockdowns, numerous people suffered job losses, experienced health complications, and a multitude of other psychosocial issues.
A wave of insecurities has accompanied Covid-19. The extensive job losses, financial constraints, racial tension, and political instability have heightened people’s insecurities and worry about their safety on so many levels.
Are you plagued by insecurities emanating from the effects of Covid-19? The good news is you’re not alone. Often, you may feel like you’re alone on an island when going through a tough situation. The truth is, many different people are being affected by the pandemic.
Overview of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs & Safety
You may recall a few weeks ago I was talking about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and we were discussing the Physiological needs we face and how the Texas ice storm pushed regular people into needing to address their physiological needs. They also had the next level Safety potentially not met as some homes were no longer safe.
The thing is this Covid-19 pandemic has been going on for over a year now and we’ve had to deal with several levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. On level two, the Safety and second level related to Basic Needs we find our needs for safety and security. Sadly the pandemic has hindered our ability to feel safe on many levels – personal safety (catching Covid and dying was a concern for many), security of our jobs, incomes or livelyhoods were/are at risk for many, and also burnout for first responders, medical staff, teachers, and essential workers. Security of family and not being able to see them especially those that are high risk or in the hospital or nursing homes has been a real burden.
It’s bad news and many Americans do not often have to think about their safety to this extent, well except for the BIPOC communities who sadly struggle with this all the time or frequently. And now things may be even worse for these communities as hate crimes rise and these communities are often more at risk. This is something we really need to address.
Dealing with A Few pandemic insecurities in your life
So, what can you do to boot out these insecurities that may be hindering you from living and meeting your needs? Here are a few practical ways to keep your sanity during and even after the pandemic.
1. Differentiate what you can and can’t do or Control
It’s improbable that you’ll discover the cure to Covid-19 over the next few hours. While it is important to keep a tab on the medical advancements in the area, you should restrain from obsessing.
Instead, look at what is within your control and let go of what is out of your control. For example, if you’re worried about your job security, you can focus on building relevant skills, getting remote jobs, and working remotely. Brush up on new technologies like meetings on Zoom or other remote tools that help your business or your company do better work remotely. Maybe update your resumes and/or Linkedin profiles.
You might also go to Udemy or other online education and skill training sites. Pick up some new skills in a different area or improve the skills you already have and find ways to keep your mind focused on positive things.
For those of you that are business owners and employers. Look into stepping up your remote working models as there is data showing employees are happier working from home. But we need to make sure they are able to be productive and successful, right? Here are two books you might want to check out –
REWORK
REMOTE
These simple acts gives you something to concentrate on instead of obsessing about the pandemic and the uncertainty of life these days.
2. Confirm all information
Information is power. This is perhaps the most powerful statement in today’s world and in the information age.
However in a time where rumors and misinformation can easily spread through various media, you need to confirm your sources. More importantly, before sharing any information with your groups, ensure the information is factual and relevant.
Don’t believe everything you see; verify your sources and only act on credible information.
As the Covid info could effect your health, or your family’s health, or even your community’s health, try to be diligent to only share info from credible sources. Better yet, fact check things before you share them, or before you start freaking out. Sometimes meme’s and the like are intentionally trying to incite an emotional reaction. Don’t fall for this stuff.
Here are a few ways to check your facts –
- Snopes.com
This highly regarded rumor analyzing site has been researching rumors since 1995.
- Hoax Slayer
Site that debunks email and social media hoaxes and educates web users about email, social media, and Internet security issues. Founded in 2003.
- Media Bias / Fact Check
They say they are the most comprehensive media bias resource on the internet. There are currently 3600+ media sources listed in their database and growing every day. Don’t be fooled by Fake News sources. - Truth or Fiction
A non-partisan website where “Internet users can quickly and easily get information about eRumors, fake news, disinformation, warnings, offers, requests for help, myths, hoaxes, virus warnings, and humorous or inspirational stories that are circulated by email.”
- FactCheck.org
A project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center, this organization checks the factual accuracy of what is said by major U.S. political players in the form of TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews and news releases.
- PolitiFactPolitiFact staffers research statements and rate their accuracy on the Truth-O-Meter, from True to False. The most ridiculous falsehoods get the lowest rating, Pants on Fire.
Obviously there are many areas where we are seeing “fake news”. Do your best to protect yourself from getting blindsided by this stuff.
3. Always remember to exercise
Exercising is a great way to distract yourself and keep in shape at the same time. Unfortunately, some people gave up on exercising when the pandemic hit. In part, this is because of the stringent curfew and lockdown measures. It might have been hard to get to the gym (especially early on).
Fortunately, even from the comfort of your home, you can find simple yet effective exercise routines. This will help you keep active and work on improving yourself. This is one of the reasons I found it so important to start creating online course related to mindfulness and now I am starting to ad some online exercises courses. Check out the latest Mindful Yoga Course I finished last week. Also stay tuned for some new exercise programs coming soon.
Ultimately, the future of Covid-19 remains uncertain. And while there are essential strides such as new vaccine discoveries, there’s still a long way to go. These tips will help you raise your overall health and wellness state as well as meet your needs as mention by Maslow. Take care of yourselves, my friends!
Want to see a sample of my online Mindful Yoga Exercise Program? Just click here or below. The info page has an actual sample of one of the Yoga Poses taught in the program.