How to Deal With Covid Lockdown Emotions
How to Deal With COVID Lockdown Emotions
Whenever you are faced with what seems to be a negative situation, there are always two aspects to consider:
- The practical, logical aspect.
- The emotional, psychological aspect.
With regard to the COVID-19 lockdown, the practical aspect is relatively simple: Do nothing, stay at home.
It seems easy, but it isn't.
The emotional and psychological ramifications of the lockdown are not easy to deal with, because staying at home and doing nothing, is an unnatural state of affairs.
How well you handle this situation emotionally will be based upon what beliefs you hold.
Here are two sets of three words. One set describes an unhealthy attitude to the lockdown, the second describes a healthy way of looking at the same thing.
This is the unhealthy attitude:
Permanent, Pervasive and Powerless.
Taken together "permanent and pervasive" means that you consider COVID-19 has changed life irrevocably for the worse, and that "things will never be the same again".
"Powerless" means that you feel you have lost all power to influence your own life; that your fate is being dictated by forces beyond your control; that you are like a pinball in a pinball machine, with no will nor choice of your own.
Thinking like this is emotional poison.
Here is the healthy set; note that they are the opposite of the words listed above:
Temporary, Limited and Powerful.
Taken together "temporary and limited" means that this situation is time limited, it will not affect everyone negatively. Things will recover, because time is the great healer.
This enforced time away from work and normal activities, is perfect for you to invest in building-up your personal power.
During the lockdown, use the time to:
- read more
- exercise more
- sleep more
- talk to someone on the phone
- study more
- find a new hobby
- and set goals for a better future
So, the healthy attitude is to use lockdown to improve yourself, to become stronger and fitter.
Take Back Control.
Remember that how you feel emotionally, is governed by the beliefs you hold in your subconscious mind.
To feel better, eliminate bad thoughts and accentuate the good.
- Eliminate thoughts based around increasing powerlessness.
- Accentuate thoughts based around increasing your personal power.
- Enjoy your day!
"Don't count the days; make the days count!" - Muhammad Ali
Definition: personal power
Context: Personal Development. Genus: psychological capacity. Differentia: 1) comes from self-belief not outside control; 2) turns thought into chosen action and goal progress; 3) stays active when events limit freedom; 4) grows through daily practice of learning, exercise and planning. Plain English: Personal power is the inner mental strength that lets you choose your own path even when life is hard. It rests on strong self belief, turns thoughts into clear action, keeps working when outside limits appear, and grows each day as you read, move, learn and plan.
Show CG4D Definition
- comes from self-belief not outside control
- turns thought into chosen action and goal progress
- stays active when events limit freedom
- grows through daily practice of learning, exercise and planning
Article Summary
Lockdown emotions feel heavy, yet you can change them; see the crisis as temporary and limited, act each day to read, move, learn and plan, and you will swap powerlessness for personal power, boost your mood and leave the pandemic stronger than you began.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
Why is seeing lockdown as permanent, pervasive and powerless harmful?
How can I adopt a positive mindset during COVID restrictions?
What daily habits boost mental well-being in lockdown?
How does belief shape my lockdown emotions?
Why call the period temporary and limited when no end date is set?
What quick covid anxiety tips work when stress spikes?
How does taking back control help with coping with covid stress?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
In January 2024, 39% of UK adults said the pandemic still harms their mental health and one in five often felt anxious (ONS Opinions and Lifestyle Survey, 2024). Adults who kept a daily exercise plan during 2022 restrictions were 32% less likely to report high anxiety than those who did not (UCL COVID-19 Social Study, 2022).About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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