I read today about how to cope with worry in this coming winter, esp. with the virus situation worsening. Psychologists prove that shifting your focus from yourself onto others really helps.
Can anyone share any tips on how you shift focus from yourself onto outer world? looks like we will have to self-isolate here again, and that makes me want to scream.
Hi
Everyone is different and so is their mechanism to deal with situations. Suggestions don't work well because there's no one-size-fits-all remedy for claustrophobia.
Your situation is understandable and almost everyone can relate to it. People have started taking up activities which they wouldn't have otherwise owing to their busy schedule.
Some are learning a new language, some are learning to play musical instruments and on the other side, people are keen to improve their fitness level through home workout.
Those who are secluded and can't take up such activities, have started reading lots and lots of books. Of course, it depends from person to person. After all, you should be satisfied at the end of the day.
In a nutshell, one should either build upon their strengths or work upon their weaknesses. Do not lose hope, things will become better.
Lots of love.
thank you for sharing. i am trying to get involved with some charity work and online support groups, as it seems to be my only options. helping others does make me feel better, but right now it is very limited. i am exploring and trying not to lose hope. this is my first time in a group like this..
It's great to know that you wish to help others. You have indeed come to the right place. Feel free to explore and connect with or follow like-minded individuals in this community.
If you come across any post wherein you feel you can contribute positively, feel free to share your thoughts and help others.
Plus, there are multiple communities on HealthUnlocked. You can search, explore and join whichever seems best to you.
Good luck.
This is really helpful to know the variety of activities one can take up during quarantine! thank you!
I have an allotment but I don’t know how realistic it would be for anyone else to get one. It takes a lot of work, but it gives me a purpose and since I’m sharing one, I need to put in those extra hours for the benefit of my plot sharers too. Maybe think about getting a pet, and that way you have something else you need to look after.
I have a child. I have had pets all my life and actually taking a break from having one.😁 That doesn't stop me from seeing the world in dark colors. I was wondering what others do to get their focus off oneself. Basically, how do you find awe and gratitude in everyday mundane routine, esp. with this covid? How do you deal with thoughts of possible death ?
The gratitude I’ve felt recently has come from the kindness of other people. And I’m eco friendly, so at the moment I’m focusing on ways in which I can help the environment that’s within my control. Being in touch with nature too, like hearing the birds sing in the morning, really helps me focus on the outside world rather than myself. When it comes to death, well, death is inevitable. When I die, I’ll become fertiliser for the worms and flowers which has a kind of macabre poetry to it.
yes, these are great things to focus on. I love walking and watching nature, it seems to be the only source of encouragement. But as a true pessimist, I also find reasons to be sad even looking at the beauty of nature, for I see what is happening to it, how species are disappearing, like insects, much less of them now than a few years ago. Air quality, etc...
I can't promise that this will work for every person, but one thing that helps me is actually NOT to shift the focus away from my problems but hold opposite feelings about my problems in tension. For example, if I am having a spat with a family member, I allow myself to feel hurt, frustrated, etc. so I don't just end up repressing my feelings, but I also allow myself to think of the positive side of it: what am I learning from this? How is this helping me grow? How might the relationship grow from this conflict in the long-term? For me, I try not to distract myself but to see the pain and the potential gifts the situation has to offer and not ignore either.
these are good ideas, thank you for them. I've been supressing my feelings and denying them, I know that. Got to try your tips for sure.
My anxiety is the worst in the winter time because the coldness outside just makes my body so much more tense than it already is.
Try looking up the 54321 grounding technique! It helps a lot to shift your focus. Reading helps too.
I love reading. Also listening to audiobooks. But at this difficult time somehow I just can't find comfort in this, when topics like death or sickness or any other suffering or sadness is mentioned, makes me want to drop the book. Maybe my condition is more than just anxiety, I don't know, I am trying to get an idea..
Got to look into that grounding technique you mentioned, never heard of it. Thanks!
Maybe you could look into a self help book?
do you have any suggestions?
My ebook The Anxious Therapist is free every Tuesday for the next 4 weeks, there may be something in there for you, I hope so...
Go to Amazon or Pinterest anxioustherapist.com
Thanks a lot! I' ll do it!😊
Lam,
I am in the same boat too. Find a way to go out, see people, not essentially talk if you do not feel like it , be around nature while feeling connected to it, pray, and NEVER LOSE HOPE . THIS LIGHT WITHIN YOu is still there
yes, it's just extremely difficult to go out where i am, plus the growing covid situation, i haven't really done anything except shopping and walking with my kid since March this year, saw a friend once, we were both wearing masks, talked for 20 min, that was it. I feel like this is too much. My child hasn't been to kindergarden since spring, we only see my parents and that is all. We are all exhausted mentally, and getting sick physically as well. Everyone I talk on the phone to tells me about who else is dead from covid and how this or that one is suffering. I do pray. But honestly I find very little comfort in doing that. That is why I joined this group, to see how others cope. Other humans out there... I never thought I would be seeking human contact as much as I do now... crazy, really.
Just hang in there, things will change, they always will and always have been. That is what I tell myself, A good thing is to try to find a counsellor or therapist to talk to. One that you really can connect with .
I will keep you on my prayers
thank you! thay means a lot to me.
How do you make friends who understand?
How do you forgive yourself? How do you let things go?
How do you take one day at a time?
How do you get to relief? What is relief for you?
What and how do I tell my kids?
