By Beheshta Taheri
Are you feeling stressed out as Ontario enters Stage 3 of its framework for re-opening the province? Either way, you are not alone.
While some are excited about larger social gatherings, or being able to enjoy more varied dining experiences, or finally partaking at their local gym or yoga studio, for others, it simply means a higher risk of contracting COVID-19.
Many are worried about coming into contact with larger number of people outfitting themselves and their work environments with protective gear and navigating – once again, a higher volume of traffic, to name just a few stressors.
For those who cannot wait to ‘get back to the normal’ and are optimistic about Stage 3, while we appreciate your positive outlook, we encourage you to continue safe practices advised by Public Health. After all, we are not out of the woods yet, since there still is no vaccine or effective treatment available for COVID 19.
Thus, while in public spaces, heed the advice of Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer and “layer up”, despite the summer heat. As she advised on July 21, 2020, “we want Canadians to think about public health measures as “layers of protection” that should be incorporated into their daily routines during this pandemic.”
For those who find themselves increasingly worried about the virus in the face of the pandemic recovery plan, remind yourself of all the things that you still have within your control. Firstly, you can choose to partake in the reduced restrictions. It seems like a simple idea, and it really is. Reminding yourself that you have this choice can be incredibly liberating, and goes a long way in reducing anxiety. Cherish the fact that you are still in control of your choices and behaviour, including your mobility, despite the province’s decision to re-open the economic sector.
Secondly, continue the safe practices which are becoming the new normal: i) physical distancing from people outside your social circle; ii) wearing a face covering in public spaces where physical distancing is a challenge; and iii) washing hands frequently.
Thirdly, you have the rest of the summer to enjoy the warm weather, and actively and safely seek out fun activities. By increasing joy in your life, you are reducing your stress level, increasing your body’s ability to fight off infections, while lowering your allostatic load, or the ‘wear and tear’ on the body due to chronic stress.
Finally, use this time of relative isolation to “empty the cup” – an incredibly wise and helpful practice – a work in progress for me. Instead of ‘filling’ up spaces with more things – whether on your to-do list, schedule, or closet drawers; begin to create space and free up your mind by clearing your schedule, drawers, and taking pauses in between tasks on your to-do list.
Please refer to Rick Hanson’s Just One Thing newsletter on this concept for more details.
While we may not be completely out of the woods yet, in the words of Henry David Thoreau, we can certainly take a walk in the woods and come out taller than the trees.
Resources:
“A Framework for Reopening our Province: Stage 3”
Just One Thing Free Newsletter – Dr. Rick Hanson
Image
Seaman, A. (2018). Indoor Dining. UnSplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/sQopSb2K0CU.