Tools In My Toolbox

The stress level that arose in March, when COVID-19 became community spread, was new, acute, and unfamiliar. Impossible to ignore, the stress in my life took on a different texture than I was accustomed to. Adjusting to it felt like a game of whack-a-mole, where I was in constant discovery mode, just sort of panning my environment for what new weirdness and anxiety would pop up (and that I would subsequently have to find a way to cope). 

But now, over seven months in, for better or for worse, the stress I experience has morphed into a sort of baseline anxiety, not quite in the forefront but sort of lingering around. I know it’s there, almost settled, but I can’t always directly point to it: the still bottom of a mucky lake that, with a footstep or stone drop, will be stirred up and silt and decomposing matter will rise and mix with the clear water. 

In order to find and/or create calm when the muck arises (because it always will, at some point or another), I have approached this strange time by creating a set of agreements with myself. It’s a list of daily non-negotiables that, to some may seem stringent, but, when put into practice, allow me great flexibility and energy to face the challenges abundant in this stressful time. By committing to this list I am keeping my commitment to my best self. Wash, rinse, repeat. While these help me continue my work as a nursing student, these strategies have staying-power as they are applicable for any stage and role in life. 

I move my body. Yoga, dancing to silly songs, a walk around the block all pump me up.

I cook real and whole foods. Otherwise I would eat all the cheetos and feel fatigued. 

I deleted social media and committed to connecting to my real-life friends and family.  

I drink water. Hydration gives me energy.

I follow a bedtime ritual and get eight hours of sleep. This keeps me focused and alert. 

I limit my news intake. There’s enough to worry about without fear-mongering headlines.

I take breaks from school work to read books just for fun so I can relax and feel levity. 

I meditate, which allows me to practice mindfulness and non-attachment, which then allows me to focus on the now instead of worrying about what I cannot control. 

I cannot control most things out in the world, certainly not this pandemic, save for a mask, social distancing, and hand hygiene. I only have power over myself and my actions that both impact me and those around me. So by following a list of guidelines for daily living, I empower myself to not only be the best version of myself while studying for school or working at the hospital, but also while doing my own activities of daily living at home and with my family.