Emerging from the pandemic
"Emerging: coming out, coming into view or taking shape, or surviving and coming out from a difficult situation."
We all know the emotional, psychological, and physical tolls that this pandemic has taken on us. While "getting back to normal" was something we all thought about and madly desired, I doubt that we gave much thought to the challenges that would present as we emerge from this previously unimaginable year. In a recent Today show report, psychologist Deborah Serani addressed this emerging phenomenon saying, "this is a global example of what's called re-entry after trauma." So the question stands: what does healing from this trauma look like?
It is essential to understand that healing from trauma must begin with calming the nervous system and cellular restoration. In the prolonged heightened state that we lived in for so long, our nervous systems' negativity adapted to ongoing stress in some ways.
Typically, the body returns to its resting state once stress has passed. Prolonged stress exposes the cardiovascular system to higher cortisol levels (stress hormone) that can take a toll over time. Chronic, lasting stress can increase a person's risk for problems such as high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke.
In addition, some of the psychological and emotional signs of long term stress include:
Depression and anxiety.
Anger, irritability, or restlessness.
Feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, or unfocused.
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
Racing thoughts or constant worry.
Problems with your memory or concentration.
Making bad decisions.
Fear of going out.
The nervous system does not calm down when the trauma is over. This vital system needs to be nourished and nurtured, starting with cellular restoration practices to heal slowly over time.
With that in mind, as we inch towards a new normal, a first good step is recognizing that a pandemic is a traumatic event we collectively experienced. Being aware of that notion will help us take extra care of ourselves and address our needs.
Here are a few nervous system calming/cellular restorative ideas for you during this time:
Hydrate.
De-weight - lie down even if for 2 minutes.)
Pause and ask yourself, "what do I need right now."
Go slow and be mindful - don't rush yourself into "normalcy."
Move your body in any enjoyable way. Movement gets the relaxing and feel-good hormones going.
Celebrate even tiny things.
Ground yourself - feel your feet on the ground or your bottom in a chair.
Breathe with your diaphragm.
Connect with others. Healthy human connection boosts the immune system and can be very healing.
Set good boundaries - do what is right and healthy for you, not for someone else.
As we take a collective breath of relief, please reach out if I might support you in any way. I do offer a nervous system calming treatment as part of my work. I invite you to contact me with thoughts and questions. I do offer 15-minute complimentary phone consultations.
