We are not used to living with uncertainty, or at least with such great uncertainty as we are experiencing now. And the truth is, we don't like it, because generally we want to feel that we control everything and that we are masters of our destiny, that we can make plans and live an organized life without many setbacks.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our plans and forced us to live more day-to-day. We can't plan a trip, a wedding, an event, we can't even be sure we can go to work tomorrow... In reality, we never could, it's just that now everything is much more uncertain and that shakes our foundations.
Let's keep in mind that our eagerness to control everything often gives us a false sense of security and makes us:
- Think we are untouchable.
- Lose sight of how vulnerable we actually are.
- Forget the great value of small things.
- Stop enjoying and savoring the present moment to the fullest.
In this learning and challenge that COVID-19 has presented us with, children have a lot to teach us, because they are great masters at living in the moment and enjoying every instant without thinking about what they will do tomorrow, or in summer or next week. I recommend you pay close attention to them and their ability to live Here and Now.
Here are some tips so that children and adults can better manage all this uncertainty:
1. Accept it: Be more open to changes and surprises. Prepare ourselves mentally for things to happen that we weren't expecting, that weren't in our plans and with which we have to deal (surprise confinements, job changes, family reorganization). Being prepared mentally in some way to face these setbacks will help us a lot.
2. By now, all children have had to deal, in one way or another, with the uncertainty brought by COVID-19. Talking to them clearly and simply to explain what is happening is essential so they can understand the situation and adapt to the behavioral changes this pandemic entails.
3. However, it is not necessary to overexpose them to the news. They don't really need to know every little detail that happens, and sometimes images of sick people, hospitals, deaths... and even testimonies of people who are truly suffering only increase their anxiety and worry. And not just theirs, but ours too! So let's try not to overexpose ourselves to so much information to preserve our mental health
4. Let's maintain a positive mindset. Let's try to break free from the loop of negativity and complaining that pandemic exhaustion brings, and focus our daily lives on things we can do. A lockdown can also bring us more time together, the opportunity to learn new things, more time for ourselves, etc. Focusing on the positive and on what we can do within all the limits we now have, however little it may be, always helps.
5. Facilitate social life within the possibilities that exist. Perhaps it is time to dedicate a little more digital time with friends (video calls, etc.). This is not a whim; think of it as a necessity for them (especially from certain ages, 8 or 9 years old) as well as for us.
6. Let's try to be creative at home and expand our activities within it, now that we spend so much time indoors. Open up more possibilities for hobbies and pastimes, such as starting to play an instrument (there are fantastic online courses), cooking, board games, sewing, crafts, etc. There are a thousand possibilities!
7. Take care of yourself and others. Basic things like resting, eating healthy, exercising, and taking care of our emotional and mental state can help us a lot. It is necessary to find a little time every day to do the things we enjoy most: whether it's listening to music, drawing, cooking, etc. It will help us to relax, clear our minds, and distance ourselves from the anxiety that this whole situation can generate.
8. Prioritize: it is true that we may feel overwhelmed, even more so now that we cannot count on the help of grandparents and other people. Prioritizing is key: not everything is equally urgent and important. Having our priorities clear will help us a lot.
9. Collaborate with others: Solidarity, mutual support, companionship and collaboration will help us to deal with this situation much better and to feel better. We all have people close to us who may be having a really hard time. Ask ourselves: what can I do to alleviate it? ...No matter how small our gesture or detail, every little bit helps!
10. And finally, let's be realistic and not demand too much from ourselves. In this stage, let's try to be more flexible and relax some measures for the good of everyone. The goal is to find a balance that allows us to get through this situation as best as possible.
And what do you think? Do you have other tips for managing uncertainty in pandemic times?
Leave all your comments below or on Instagram @desarrollodeltalento
