Coping with Loss of Routine during the Pandemic
As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, you may be feeling a yearning for the way things used to be, and for the activities you used to partake in. Social gatherings, exercise and wellness classes, volunteer engagements, live music and theater, and nearly every other area of life has been affected in some way by the pandemic.
The loss of your normal routine and related activities constitutes a true loss. And when you experience loss of something that’s meaningful to you, that you’re attached to, it’s normal to grieve.
Furthermore, when you’re living with cancer, your reliance on outside support systems that are no longer accessible may be increased, and it’s easy to start feeling down, empty, angry or numb. These are symptoms of grief.
Coping with Coronavirus Grief
As difficult as this time might be, remember that your grief serves a purpose: it’s here to help you mourn what you’ve lost so you can adapt.To cope with your grief:
Acknowledge your feelings. Recognize that you’re grieving, and understand that your emotions are normal, expected, and justified given the current circumstances. Journal, talk to a trusted loved one, or cry -- whatever helps you acknowledge and process your feelings.
Reflect on how you best cope with loss. Think back to times you’ve experienced loss: of a job, a loved one, or a marriage. What helped you the most as you worked through that pain and grief? Was it a spiritual practice, artistic endeavor, or time in nature? Try to bring back the resilience you felt as you healed from a prior loss.
Don’t isolate yourself. “Social distancing” may make us feel disconnected, but we don’t have to actually disconnect from the people we love. Use phone calls, video chats, and text messages to stay in touch. Consider meeting a friend outdoors for a walk where safe distance can be maintained (based on your comfort level). Social connection is a key factor in longevity. Put your energy into positive connections that leave you feeling lifted and happy, not drained.
Create a new routine. While you mourn the loss of your pre-pandemic routine, you can create a new one. What do you have time for now that you didn’t before? Use this as an opportunity to try something you’ve always wanted to do, like learning an instrument or language, or simply create consistency around tasks and behaviors that are life-giving.
Many wellness professionals preach the importance of a morning routine. This simply means starting your day with your own personal combination of mindfulness, journaling, movement, meditation, prayer, or whatever resonates with you, and sticking with it daily. Prioritize consistent sleep and healthy eating.
Limit your news consumption. Exposing yourself daily to news about the COVID-19 pandemic may increase your anxiety and grief by reminding you of what you’ve lost. It can make it harder to stay in a positive mindset. Try reading a weekly update instead of watching the nightly news, or setting time limits on social media.
As you settle into a new routine, with activities that bring you joy, your grief over what you’ve lost is likely to lessen. If you’re struggling to cope with your grief, don’t hesitate to schedule a session with a mental health counselor.