Practicing Patience During a Pandemic

After many, many months of social distancing and isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the reopening of society is a hopeful and optimistic prospect. But for some, it may also be a bit overwhelming. Adjusting to a new normal during the peak of the pandemic meant creating a structure to maintain your wellbeing, where you formed new habits around how you spend your time. 

Now as our energy shifts outward and we begin to interact with the outside world more frequently, it’s important to practice patience. 

Patience with Yourself

Creating a routine that revolves around social distancing caused you to have to adapt to spending significant amounts of time alone or with a very small group of people. Your personal routines have likely been altered in a way that allows you to stay safe and healthy. 

As society begins to slowly reopen we will find ourselves with new opportunities to interact with others and re-establish our old routines. However, it’s important that we stay patient with ourselves and not rush back into old unproductive habits. Although the last few months have been extremely difficult, the silver lining to it all has been the opportunity for many of us to slow down.

Focus on bringing the healthy habits you’ve created during the pandemic into your new routine. Just because things are slowly reopening doesn’t mean you can’t make bread at home anymore, go for a midday walk, or take time for yourself. Use the momentum you’ve built over the last few months to catapult you forward into the summer. 

Patience with Others 

Everyone has different ways of adapting to difficult times and it’s important to respect and understand that everyone’s comfort level towards the reopening of society will be different. Some people may be comfortable with international travel as soon as it becomes available, while others may still feel anxious in the supermarket. 

Although you may be excited to reunite with your inner circle, remember that everyone copes with stress and uncertainty in their own way. Some people may be more comfortable with relaxed social distancing rules than others. Other people may feel anxious as they may still be caring for children or a loved one. Regardless of their situation, it’s important to practice patience and understanding with others as we gradually adjust to a new normal.

Patience with What You Can’t Control

With so many things outside of our control during the pandemic, COVID-19 has caused many of us to reflect on what we can and can’t control in our lives. As we adjust to the reopening of society it’s important to practice patience with what we can’t control. Worrying about things outside of our control like school reopening dates, when retail shopping centers will open or news regarding government funding doesn’t help us stay grounded. 

Instead focus on what you can control, like what you’re putting into your body each day. Bring positive energy into your space and be mindful of your inner thoughts. Although this has been a very difficult time we are beginning to see a positive future on the horizon. Continue building healthy habits and stay patient and focused on what you can control within your life.