How are feeling – OK fine, terrible or all three? Isolated or connected, worried, stressed, sleep deprived or well rested? I have felt all of these in the past few weeks. Using a coaching perspective, here are some thoughts on managing through this challenging time.

To start, take a few deep breaths – breath in for 8 seconds, hold for 4 and then breath out for 8 seconds. This helps in any time of stress.After a few deep breaths, let’s go deeper:
First, don’t hold back what you are feeling. Try to recognize what is going on/what you are feeling. How are you – OK? No really, how are you feeling? Be with where you are – right now. Don’t block any negative feelings. Maybe there are some positives here, too? Notice the flow and your body – where does that take you? This takes practice to get in touch with where you are now – not looking at yesterday, and not looking at tomorrow. You can write down what you are feeling, or think of a metaphor that describes your thoughts, or think of a color that you are in this moment. Here’s an example: I recognize that I Iike the extra time I have now. I have a little more time to take a walk, listen to the birds in the morning and watch for the lilacs to bloom in a neighbor’s yard on my walks. Some years, I totally miss those lilac flowers since I am not home/too busy to take a walk. Right now, my metaphor is I am a lilac beginning to bloom. It sure takes patience, time, and some rain, and I know there will be a short moment of beauty to embrace in the moment!
Then consider, what is in your control. Right now, it seems like everything is out of control, but think about it, and realize there are some things you can control – your breath, for one! To continue my example, I am lucky enough to live in a place where I can take a walk and still practice social distancing. I have control enough of my schedule to be able to take a walk. Even though I may not feel like it, I know I feel better on and after my walk. What is it for you?
Now, think about what is important to you – what is it that you appreciate? What is it you want to be thankful for? Take a minute to reflect and honor this value. For me, I am thankful that I can take a walk (without painful knees!). Wow, that is true. What is it for you? Is your stress reducing a little?
Finally, how can you look at the worry and stress? Is there another viewpoint or option? Think of several viewpoints. You can then choose the viewpoint that resonates the most with you and move in this direction. I am now thankful for my health and have something to look forward to – those lilacs in bloom.
Let’s go back to those deep breaths. Breath in for 8 seconds, hold for 4 and then breath out for 8 seconds.
This sequence can help reduce stress. How do you feel now? I hope this helps manage through these stressful times.
Feel free to reach out to me if you want to talk through how you are doing in these stressful times!